Maranta leuconeura ‘Fiesta’
Variegated prayer plant, Rabbit's foot
A wonderful new addition to the Prayer plants family, the Maranta leuconeura ‘Fiesta’ is the variegated variety of the Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana’.
Marantas are part of the Marantaceae family alongside Calatheas, Ctenanthe and Stromanthe. Maranta leuconeura ‘Fiesta’ has dark green blotches between the veins of its light green leaves, that have pale green undersides. Leaves are spotted with random creamy white patches.
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Plant Biography
The genus Maranta consists of around 50 species, which live in the relatively lowlight and humid conditions of the understories of tropical forests. Whilst many plants in this environment, such as climbers, have evolved to get closer to the light above, these have adapted to the conditions provided by the forest floor.
In their natural habitat, many Maranta produce beautiful and boldly coloured flowers, but its their striking foliage which has led them to become a popular houseplant.
Maranta leuconeura is commonly called Rabbits Foot. Unlike the other popular cultivar ‘Kerchoveana’, the ‘Fiesta’ cultivar is variegated due to a genetic mutation, making its leaves blotched with creamy white spots.
Care & Size Guidance
Prayer Plants can be fussy when placed in the wrong location, so choosing a good spot is essential.
A place with bright but indirect light is ideal. Avoid south facing spots with too much intense direct sunlight, unless you diffuse the light with a sheer curtain.
Like other Prayer Plants this plant enjoys high humidity, but overly wet soil can quickly lead to root rot.
Wipe the leaves regularly to prevent a build up of dust.
Expert Tip
On variegation
Variegation is the appearance of differently coloured areas on leaves, due to a random genetic mutation that occurs.
Sometimes, these mutations are stable (they can be observed over multiple generations), but most of the time they are fairly unstable and can revert back to green.
Variegated plants are often found among plants that have been bred from tropical rainforest understory plants, and are highly sought after by houseplant enthusiasts.
