Maranta leuconeura var. leuconeura ‘Fascinator’ (Prayer Plant)

The Maranta leuconeura var. leuconeura ‘Fascinator’, commonly known as the Fascinator Prayer Plant, is a captivating houseplant beloved for its unique and vibrant foliage. This variety is particularly noted for its decorative leaves and the remarkable movements they undergo in response to the light cycle, embodying a blend of beauty, rhythm, and botanical intrigue.

Maranta leuconeura var. leuconeura ‘Fascinator’ – Prayer Plant: An In-depth Look

The Fascinator Prayer Plant is distinguished by its striking leaves, which feature a beautiful pattern of bright red veins against a dark green background, accented with yellow-green markings on the midrib and the underside. The leaves are oval-shaped, with a smooth texture and a slightly wavy edge, creating a visually appealing contrast in texture and color. This plant’s aesthetic appeal is heightened by its dynamic behavior – the leaves fold upward at night, resembling hands in prayer, a characteristic that has earned its common name.

Native: The Maranta leuconeura species, including the ‘Fascinoator’ variety, is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. In these humid and shaded environments, it grows under the canopy of trees, influencing their care and cultivation requirements in household settings. The Prayer Plant belongs to the arrowroot family (Marantaceae).

Plant Type and Habit: The Fascinator Prayer Plant is a rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial with a low-growing, spreading habit. Its compact size and tendency to spread outward rather than upward make it an ideal plant for indoor settings.

Size: Typically, the Fascinator Prayer Plant reaches a modest height and spread of about 12 inches (30 cm). Its size makes it ideal for tabletops, shelves, or as an understory plant in indoor garden arrangements.

Flowers: The Prayer Plant flower is small, tubular white or light purple. It is produced during the growing season. However, it is not as showy as the leaves and is infrequently seen in indoor conditions.

Foliage: The elliptic to ovate dark green leaves, each measuring up to 5 inches (12cm) in length, are adorned with bright red veins that elegantly fan out from the midribs to the margins, creating a striking contrast. Along the midrib, yellow-green markings further accentuate the leaf’s vibrant palette, adding depth and visual interest.

Hardiness: As a tropical plant, it prefers environments that mimic its native habitat—warmth and high humidity. It’s not frost-tolerant and thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C). If grown outdoors, it is best suited to USDA hardiness Zones 11-12.

Uses: It’s often used in interior design to add a touch of nature’s beauty and to create a more tranquil, relaxing environment.

Toxicity: One of the advantages of Maranta leuconeura is its non-toxicity. It is safe for pets and humans, making it a popular choice for households with animals and children.

Benefits: Apart from its aesthetic appeal and air-purifying qualities, the Prayer Plant can have a calming effect on the environment, making spaces feel more serene and inviting.

Fascinator Prayer Plant Care

Caring for a Fascinator Prayer Plant involves meeting its specific light, water, humidity, and temperature requirements to ensure healthy growth.

Light: Prayer Plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant patterns. A spot near an east or north-facing window is ideal, providing the plant with gentle morning sunlight and shade for the rest of the day.

Soil: Prayer Plants require well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of peat, perlite, and compost is ideal, providing the necessary moisture retention and aeration to prevent root rot while supporting healthy growth.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stress the plant. Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant and allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Temperature and Humidity: Ideal temperatures range from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid sudden temperature changes and keep the plant away from drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents.
Prayer Plants are sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 60°F (15°C). These houseplants thrive in high-humidity environments, similar to their native tropical habitat. Increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, grouping it with other plants, or using a humidifier.

Fertilization: Fertilize every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Reduce fertilization in fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Pruning: Prune back any yellow or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth. Regular pruning helps maintain a bushy, attractive shape.

Repotting: Repot in spring every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid overwatering issues.

How to Propagate a Fascinator Prayer Plant – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating a Prayer Plant can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create new plants from an existing one. The most common methods for propagating Prayer Plants are through division and stem cuttings.

Propagation by Division

This method is best performed when repotting your Prayer Plant, typically in the spring.

• Gently Remove the Plant: Carefully take the plant out of its pot, shaking off excess soil to reveal the root system.
• Identify Division Points: Look for natural separations in the root ball where the plant can be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a good amount of roots and at least one or two shoots.
• Separate with Care: Gently divide the plant into smaller sections using your hands or a sterile knife. Make sure each division has roots attached.
• Pot Up Divisions: Plant each division in its own pot filled with a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Water thoroughly after potting.
• Aftercare: Keep the soil moist and maintain high humidity around the new plants. Avoid direct sunlight as they acclimate and begin to grow.

Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are an easy way to propagate Prayer Plants and can be done almost any time of the year.

• Cut a Stem: Choose a healthy stem with several leaves and cut it just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem). The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long.
• Prepare the Cutting: Remove the bottom leaves to expose one or two leaf nodes, as roots will grow from these points.
• Rooting Medium:
  • Water Method: Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring at least one leaf node is submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
  • Soil Method: Plant the cutting directly in moist potting soil, making sure at least one leaf node is buried beneath the surface. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help retain humidity.
• Wait for Roots: Whether in water or soil, roots should begin to appear in a few weeks. If you’re using the water method, wait until the roots are a couple of inches long before potting the cutting in soil.
• Transplant: Once the roots are established, transplant the cutting into a pot with a well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
• Aftercare: Maintain high humidity and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight until the plant is well established.

Fascinator Prayer Plant: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Prayer Plants are relatively resistant to major problems, but like all indoor plants, they can encounter some pests, diseases, and common issues.

Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be identified by the fine webs they weave on the plant. They cause yellowing or speckled leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and wash it with a strong stream of water. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests tend to cluster in leaf axils and under leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.

Diseases

Root rot:  Overwatering is the primary cause, leading to brown, mushy roots and yellowing leaves. Reduce watering, improve drainage, and repot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil. Severely affected roots should be trimmed before repotting.

Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial infections can cause dark or black spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo. Increase air circulation, avoid wetting leaves when watering, and remove affected leaves. Fungicides or bactericides may be necessary in severe cases.

Common Problems

Yellow Leaves: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies can cause leaves to turn yellow. Adjust watering habits and ensure your plant has a balanced, diluted fertilizer during its growing season.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges: Often a sign of low humidity or salt build-up from tap water. Increase humidity around the plant and use filtered or distilled water for irrigation.

Curling Leaves: Usually due to underwatering or low humidity. Ensure the plant is receiving enough water and consider using a pebble tray or humidifier to increase humidity.

Fading or Dull Leaves: Lack of light can cause the vibrant patterns on the leaves to fade. Move your Prayer Plant to a brighter location, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to put a Fascinator prayer plant?

The best place to put a Fascinator Prayer Plant is in a location that mimics its native tropical habitat, which means providing it with bright, indirect light and high humidity. A north or east-facing window is ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Additionally, placing it in a room with a humidifier or in a well-lit bathroom can help meet its humidity needs. Ensuring the environment is warm, with temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), will also support its health and growth.

Are Fascinator prayer plants rare?

Fascinator Prayer Plants are not considered rare, but their distinctive bright green foliage makes them a sought-after variety among houseplant enthusiasts. They are more widely available in plant nurseries and online stores, especially those specializing in exotic or tropical plants.

Does a Fascinator prayer plant bloom?

Fascinator Prayer Plants can bloom, producing small, white flowers. However, flowering is rare when grown indoors and is not the primary reason people choose to keep this plant. The blooms are modest and not nearly as striking as the plant’s foliage, so the Fascinator Prayer Plant is primarily grown for its decorative leaves rather than its flowers.