Maranta Leuconeura Marisela | Rare Prayer Plant – Happy Houseplants
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The Maranta Leuconeura Marisela is a rare and highly sought-after variety of Prayer Plant — and we’re delighted to have it back in stock after a two-year wait. Even among collectors, this plant is hard to come by in Europe, and its delicate beauty puts even a variegated Monstera to shame.
Known for its mesmerising leaf movement, the Marisela is a living piece of art. Its broad, light green leaves are patterned with deeper green veins and flushed with deep red-purple undersides. Like all Prayer Plants, it folds its leaves upwards at night in a behaviour called nyctinasty, as if settling into sleep.
Our plants arrive in a nursery pot, approx. W12cm x H30cm, ready to be admired. Whether you're a collector or simply looking for something special, this one’s a showstopper.
Native habitat and growth pattern
Native to the shaded rainforest floors of Brazil and tropical South America, Maranta Leuconeura Marisela spreads by rhizomes and forms a lush, mat-like ground cover in the wild. It prefers filtered light, warm temperatures, and consistent humidity — conditions you can easily mimic indoors.
Styling tips
This variety is perfect for:
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Styling with soft neutrals and natural wood
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Pairing with Calatheas or Fittonias for a lush, textural display
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Creating an eye-catching centrepiece on a side table or shelf
Maranta Leuconeura Marisela care guide
Light requirements:
Thrives in bright, indirect light but will tolerate some shade. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can bleach the delicate leaves.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix in a container with drainage.
Humidity:
This plant loves humidity. Mist regularly or place near a humidifier, especially in winter.
Feeding:
Feed monthly in spring and summer. We recommend our Original Vegan Plant Food, specially developed to support tropical foliage plants with zero chemicals or cruelty.
Pet safety:
Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities. It’s best to keep out of reach of curious pets.
Propagation:
Easily propagated by dividing the root ball or cutting off a rhizome runner and repotting.
Why choose this plant?
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Incredibly rare in the UK
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Stunning movement and leaf colour
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Easy-care and suitable for intermediate plant lovers
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A striking gift or centrepiece
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Brings calm and lush beauty to any room
FAQs
Is Maranta Leuconeura Marisela easy to care for?
Yes — it’s relatively low maintenance as long as you avoid overwatering and give it access to bright, indirect light.
Does it really move at night?
Yes! It folds its leaves upwards in the evening, and opens them again in the morning.
Is it safe around pets?
It’s considered mildly toxic, so keep it away from pets that like to nibble.
Why is it so hard to find?
This variety is rarely available in commercial nurseries, and demand always outpaces supply — which is why we’re thrilled to offer it now.
Explore more
Looking for other rare or easy-care tropicals? Browse our Rare Houseplants Collection or explore Easy Care Houseplants. For expert styling ideas and seasonal tips, visit the Happy Houseplants blog.
All our plants are supplied in a plastic nursery pot
Happy Houseplants delivers live houseplants across the UK with fast, carbon-neutral tracked service.
At Happy Houseplants, we ship all live plants via DPD’s 24-hour tracked carbon-neutral service. Delivery usually takes 7–10 working days, but in most cases your plants will arrive much sooner. You can read more about delivery here.
We post to most of the UK, but we’re unable to deliver to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands because of higher shipping costs.
When we list a plant’s height, it always includes the grow pot, stem, foliage and living root system — not just what you see above the soil. Because every plant is unique, yours may arrive a little smaller or larger than the size listed.
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We specialise in everything from easy-care houseplants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors. Every order is hand-packed by our small team in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered through DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
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Looking for more vibrant and easy-care houseplants? Check out our Easy Care Houseplants collection or browse our Pet Friendly Houseplants if you’ve got furry friends at home. And why not read the Happy Houseplants blog for more styling ideas and plant care tips?
Happy Houseplants runs the UK’s number one houseplant blog with expert tips and guidance.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe buying a plant is only the start — helping it thrive is what really matters. That’s why we run the UK’s number one houseplant blog, filled with expert advice on watering, light, feeding, pest care and more.
Every plant we sell comes with straightforward care tips, and if you’d like to dive deeper you’ll find hundreds of helpful guides and styling ideas on our blog. Explore them here: Happy Houseplants Blog.
Whether you’re just starting out or building a collection, you’ll always find support and inspiration from us.
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At Happy Houseplants, we believe plants make the perfect living gift — thoughtful, long-lasting, and always a joy to receive. Unlike flowers that fade quickly, a houseplant grows and thrives, becoming a lasting reminder of your care.
Sending a gift is simple. Just add your message at checkout and we’ll handwrite it on a card for you. We never include prices or invoices, so your plant arrives as a pure surprise.
Our carefully chosen range includes everything from easy-care indoor plants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors — ideal for birthdays, thank-yous, housewarmings or simply to brighten someone’s day. Every gift is hand-packed in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered nationwide with DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
When you send a gift from Happy Houseplants, you’re not just giving a plant — you’re sending a beautiful, meaningful gesture that lasts.
Happy Houseplants makes it easy to find pet-safe and easy-care houseplants in the UK.
At Happy Houseplants, we know every home is different. That’s why we make it easy to find plants that fit your lifestyle — whether you’re looking for pet-safe options or low-maintenance plants that thrive with minimal fuss.
Our Pet-Friendly Houseplants are carefully chosen so you can add greenery to your home without worry around cats or dogs.
Our Easy Care Houseplants are perfect for beginners or busy households, with varieties that don’t demand constant attention but still bring life and beauty to your space.
