Maranta Leuconeura Variegata - The Collector's Prayer Plant
Take everything you love about the classic Prayer Plant and add splashes of cream, white, and yellow variegation across the foliage. That's the Maranta Leuconeura Variegata, a rare and sought-after cultivar that elevates an already beautiful plant into something truly special for collectors.
Each leaf is a unique work of art. The base pattern features the familiar soft grey-green to light green leaves marked with darker green to brown oval patches along the midrib, the classic "rabbit tracks" pattern that gives this variety its nickname. But here, that pattern is overlaid with irregular splashes and sectors of creamy white, pale yellow, and sometimes even fully variegated leaves that are almost entirely cream-coloured. Some plants also display subtle pink tones in the veining, adding yet another layer of visual interest.
Like all Prayer Plants, the Variegated Maranta performs its signature daily movement. The leaves lie flat during the day to catch available light, then fold upward at night as if in prayer. This nyctinastic movement is the plant's response to changes in light and adds an interactive, almost living sculpture quality to your collection.
The Foliage
The oval leaves grow to around 10-12cm long on established plants. The base colouration is a pale silvery-green to light green, with the characteristic darker patches running alongside the central vein. What makes this variety so special is the variegation, random splashes and sectors of cream, white, and yellow-green that appear across the leaf surface.
No two leaves are identical. Some may show just hints of cream at the margins, while others display bold white sectors or are almost entirely variegated. This unpredictability is part of the charm, as each new leaf unfurls to reveal its unique pattern.
The leaves have a lovely satiny texture, and as the plant matures, the foliage becomes larger and more impressive. Small white flowers may appear among the foliage during the growing season, though the real star is definitely the leaves.
Light Requirements
Variegated plants need more light than their all-green counterparts to maintain their patterns and thrive. Place your Variegated Maranta in bright indirect light for best results. While standard Marantas can tolerate quite low light, the variegated form will produce more vibrant patterns and stronger growth with good light levels.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate variegated portions of the leaves. An east-facing window or a position a metre or so back from a brighter window works well. If the variegation seems to be fading on new growth, try increasing light levels gradually.
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Marantas appreciate consistent moisture but sitting in soggy soil leads to root rot. Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry, and ensure your pot has good drainage.
These plants can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water, which may cause brown leaf tips. Consider using filtered water, rainwater, or leaving tap water to sit overnight before use. This allows chlorine to dissipate.
Humidity
Originating from the humid Brazilian rainforest floor, Variegated Maranta thrives with higher humidity levels. Aim for 50% or above. Low humidity is one of the most common causes of brown, crispy leaf edges.
Boost humidity by grouping plants together, placing on a pebble tray with water, using a humidifier, or positioning in naturally humid rooms like bathrooms with good light. Regular misting also helps, particularly during dry winter months when heating is running.
Temperature
Warm, stable temperatures between 18-27°C are ideal. The minimum temperature is around 15°C, below which growth slows significantly and the plant may stop its characteristic praying movement. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, which can stress the plant.
Potting and Soil
Use a well-draining mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A blend of quality potting mix, perlite, and orchid bark or coco coir works well. Marantas have relatively shallow, rhizomatous root systems, so shallower pots are preferable to deep ones.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when the plant becomes rootbound. These plants actually tolerate being slightly pot-bound, so there's no rush to upsize.
Feeding
Feed with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3ml per litre every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring through autumn). Reduce or stop feeding in winter when growth naturally slows. Variegated plants benefit from regular feeding to support healthy new growth.
Over-fertilisation can cause leaf burn, so err on the side of less rather than more. If you notice salt buildup (white crusty deposits on the soil surface), flush the soil thoroughly with water.
Display Options
The spreading, gradually trailing habit of Maranta makes it versatile for display. It looks stunning in a hanging basket where the foliage can cascade, or on a shelf where the leaves can spread outward. The variegation catches the eye from any angle, making it a natural focal point in a plant collection.
Perfect For
- Collectors seeking rare prayer plant varieties
- Pet owners wanting safe, beautiful plants
- Those who enjoy interactive, moving plants
- Hanging baskets and trailing displays
- Humid spaces like bathrooms with good light
- Plant enthusiasts ready for a slightly more demanding variety
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from regular Maranta?
The Variegated Maranta displays cream, white, and yellow splashes across its foliage in addition to the standard pattern. This variegation makes each leaf unique and adds extra visual interest. It requires slightly more light than non-variegated forms to maintain its patterns.
Will my plant lose its variegation?
Variegation can fade if the plant doesn't receive enough light. Ensure bright indirect light to encourage well-variegated new growth. If new leaves are coming through mostly green, increase light levels. The existing variegation on mature leaves won't change, but you want each new leaf to display good patterns.
Why are my leaf edges turning brown?
Brown edges typically indicate low humidity or sensitivity to tap water chemicals. Increase humidity around the plant and consider switching to filtered or rainwater. Ensure the plant isn't sitting near heating or cooling vents that dry the air.
Is this plant rare?
Yes, the Variegated Maranta is considerably less common than standard Maranta varieties. It's a collectible plant that's worth seeking out for prayer plant enthusiasts.
Is this plant safe for my pets?
Yes! Like all Maranta, the variegated form is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it safe for pet-friendly households.
Please Keep in Mind
Variegated plants grow more slowly than their all-green counterparts because the white and cream portions contain less chlorophyll for photosynthesis. This is completely normal and just means your plant needs a bit more patience.
Each plant is unique, and variegation patterns vary from leaf to leaf and plant to plant. The amount and distribution of cream and white colouring will differ between individual specimens.
This plant is pet safe, making it an excellent choice for households with curious cats and dogs.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
