The Marisela Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura ‘Marisela’) is a captivating houseplant known for its distinctive foliage and unique daily movement. Its broad, light green leaves feature deeper green veins and often have a reddish-purple underside. This tropical perennial earned its common name because its leaves lie flat during the day and fold upwards at night, resembling hands clasped in prayer. Native to the shaded rainforests of Brazil and South America, it is a popular choice for its vibrant color and engaging behavior.
Marisela Prayer Plant Care
Light
The Marisela Prayer Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat on the forest floor where it receives filtered sunlight. Direct sun exposure can scorch its delicate leaves, causing them to fade or develop brown spots. While it tolerates lower light, very dim areas lead to leggy growth as the plant stretches for light. Placing it near a window with a sheer curtain to diffuse direct sunlight is an ideal solution.
Watering
Watering practices are important for the Marisela Prayer Plant. Keep the soil evenly moist, but never waterlogged, to prevent root rot. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During spring and summer, this means watering once or twice a week, reducing frequency in fall and winter as growth slows. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as these plants are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride in tap water, which can cause browning leaf tips.
Humidity
High humidity is a requirement for the Marisela Prayer Plant. Humidity levels range from 60% to 80%. To increase humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water, or use a room humidifier. Grouping plants together also creates a microclimate with higher local humidity.
Soil
The Marisela Prayer Plant needs a well-draining, aerated, and slightly acidic soil mix, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A suitable potting mix includes components like peat moss for moisture retention and acidity, combined with perlite or vermiculite for improved drainage and aeration. Some mixes also incorporate orchid bark or coco coir for added structure and drainage.
Fertilizing
Marisela Prayer Plants need regular fertilization during their active growing season from spring through fall. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio, diluted to half-strength, is suitable. Fertilize every two to four weeks during this period, reducing to once a month or ceasing entirely in winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup and potentially burn the roots, so avoid excessive application.
Temperature
The Marisela Prayer Plant needs consistent temperatures. These plants prefer warmer temperatures, between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). They tolerate normal household temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Protect them from cold drafts, sudden temperature fluctuations, or placement near air conditioning units or heaters, as extreme conditions stress the plant.
Repotting Marisela Prayer Plant
Repotting the Marisela Prayer Plant is not frequent, as these plants are slow growers. Repotting is needed every two to three years, or when signs indicate the plant is root-bound, such as stunted growth or roots emerging from drainage holes. The best time for repotting is during spring or summer, aligning with the plant’s active growing period.
Choose a new pot only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current container, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. Prayer plants have shallow roots, so a wider, shallower pot is more suitable than a tall, deep one. When repotting, gently remove the plant, shake off excess soil from the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Propagating Marisela Prayer Plant
Propagating Marisela Prayer Plants is done through stem cuttings or division during repotting. For stem cuttings, take a section just below a node with a few leaves. Root these cuttings in water or directly in a moist potting mix. If rooting in water, change the water every few days to maintain freshness. Once new roots develop, transfer the cuttings to soil.
Alternatively, during repotting, divide the plant. Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each new plant has a healthy mass of roots and several stems. Pot these divisions into individual shallow pots with well-draining soil. After propagation, place the new plants in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect light to help them establish.
Common Problems with Marisela Prayer Plant
Marisela Prayer Plants show signs when their care needs are not met. Crispy or browning leaf edges indicate low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity and ensure consistent soil moisture to resolve this. Yellowing leaves signal overwatering, which suffocates the roots, or a nutrient deficiency. Adjust the watering schedule to allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fading leaf patterns or bleached leaves suggest too much direct light. Move the plant to bright, indirect light to restore its vibrant coloration. Drooping leaves stem from poor watering, extreme temperatures, or low humidity.
Pests like spider mites and mealybugs also affect Marisela Prayer Plants. Spider mites cause dry spots and fine webbing, while mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.