How to Grow and Care for Marisela Prayer Plant

The Marisela Prayer Plant, or Maranta leuconeura ‘Marisela’, is a houseplant admired for its decorative foliage and unique daily rhythm of movement. This behavior, known as nyctinasty, involves the leaves lying flat during the day and rising into a vertical, prayer-like position in the evening. This trait, combined with its vibrant appearance, makes it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.

Unique Characteristics of the Marisela Prayer Plant

The ‘Marisela’ is distinguished from other Maranta varieties by its leaf coloration and patterning. The foliage displays a distinctive variegation, with light green or yellowish splotches between the darker green veins, creating a hand-painted appearance. This sets it apart from the Red Vein Prayer Plant, known for its prominent red veins, or the ‘Lemon Lime’ variety, which has brighter green shades. Unlike the ‘Kerchoveana’ or “Rabbit’s Foot” prayer plant with its dark blotches, the ‘Marisela’ presents a softer, blended pattern. The underside of the leaves is a uniform silvery-green, lacking the reddish-purple tones seen in varieties like ‘Erythroneura’.

Complete Care Guide

Light

The Marisela Prayer Plant flourishes in bright, indirect light, similar to the filtered sunlight it would receive on a tropical rainforest floor. An ideal location is near a window with a sheer curtain or in a well-lit room where the sun’s rays do not directly strike the foliage. Direct sunlight must be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and cause brown patches. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may be slower and its variegation less pronounced.

Water

Consistent watering is necessary for this plant. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, as oversaturation can lead to root rot. A reliable method is to check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it is time to water thoroughly.

Soil

A well-draining potting mix is important for prayer plants, as the soil needs to retain moisture without becoming overly saturated. Standard potting soils work well, especially if amended to improve drainage. Adding materials like perlite, pumice, or sand will allow excess water to escape. Repotting every one to two years provides fresh soil and more space for its roots to grow.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant prefers average room temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and should be protected from sudden temperature drops or drafts. High humidity is a requirement for keeping the foliage lush. You can increase ambient moisture by placing a small humidifier nearby, grouping it with other plants, or setting the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing seasons, the plant benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month, diluting it according to package instructions to avoid over-fertilizing. Fertilizing should be suspended during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Propagation and Pruning

The most common propagation method is taking stem cuttings. To do this, use a clean, sharp blade to cut a stem just below a leaf node—the small bump where a leaf emerges. These cuttings can be placed in water until roots develop or planted directly into moist soil.

Pruning is primarily done to maintain the plant’s appearance and encourage denser growth. Any yellowed, brown, or dead leaves should be removed by snipping them off at the base of the stem. Trimming leggy or overgrown stems just above a leaf node can also stimulate new growth, resulting in a more compact plant.

Solving Common Problems

Brown, crispy leaf edges are a frequent issue, often a sign of insufficient humidity or a reaction to minerals in tap water. Increasing humidity and switching to filtered or distilled water can resolve this problem. If you observe the leaves curling inward, it is an indication of thirst, and a thorough watering should help them recover.

Yellowing leaves are a symptom of overwatering. If the soil is consistently soggy, the roots cannot get enough oxygen, leading to yellow foliage. Allowing the top portion of the soil to dry out between waterings is the best prevention. If the leaves fail to perform their daily “praying” motion, it could be a sign of stress from improper lighting or inconsistent watering. Lastly, keep an eye out for spider mites, a common pest.