Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana Variegata,(variegated prayer plant)

Description

 

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🌿 Light

• Bright, indirect light is best. Too much direct sun will fade or scorch the leaves.
• It can tolerate moderate/low light, but variegation may become less pronounced in too-dark spots.
  (Source: general Maranta care & variegated specifics) (Staghorn and Pitcher)

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💧 Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, not soggy.
• Water when the top ~1–2 cm / ½ inch of soil feels dry to touch. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
• Use filtered, rain, or distilled water if possible — prayer plants can be sensitive to minerals and chlorine in tap water.
  (Source: care guides) (Staghorn and Pitcher)

Tips to avoid problems

• Too little water → leaves may curl.
• Too much water → root rot and yellowing leaves.
  (General Maranta care) (The Spruce)

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🌡 Temperature & Humidity

• Warm temperatures: ideal ~18–26 °C (65–80 °F).
• Avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature swings.
• High humidity (60%+) encourages healthy foliage — especially important for variegated plants.

Humidity boosters

• Mist leaves regularly,
• Use a humidifier,
• Or set pot over a water + pebble tray.
  (Source: care guides) (Staghorn and Pitcher)

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🪴 Soil & Potting

• Use a well-draining potting mix — ideal is peat-based indoor-plant soil plus perlite or orchid bark to boost drainage and aeration.
• Always choose a pot with drainage holes to avoid standing water.
• Repot every 12–18 months in spring if the plant becomes root-bound.
  (Source: variegated care guides) (Plant Circle)

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🌱 Feeding / Fertilizer

• Feed monthly during the growing season (spring/summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (~½ strength).
• Reduce or stop feeding in fall/winter when growth slows.
  (Source: general care guides) (Cowell’s Garden Centre | Woolsington)

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✂️ Maintenance

• Remove yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant neat.
• Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get even light.
• Avoid frequent repotting — prayer plants like to be slightly root-bound.
  (Source: care guides) (Staghorn and Pitcher)

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🐛 Pests & Problems

Common issues include:

• Spider mites and mealybugs — check undersides and treat promptly if spotted.
• Brown leaf edges: often low humidity or mineral sensitivity.
• Yellow leaves: can indicate overwatering or poor drainage.
  (Source: pest/care info) (Staghorn and Pitcher)

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🐾 Safe for Homes

• Non-toxic to pets and children — safe if placed in family or pet-friendly spaces.
  (Source: plant info) (Cowell’s Garden Centre | Woolsington)

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🌼 Fun fact

Like all prayer plants, Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana Variegata’ folds its leaves up at night — as if saying “good night”! (Staghorn and Pitcher)

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