Leaves that change position
The leaves usually rise in the evening, giving the low clump a more gathered shape. They open again in the morning, revealing their colourful pattern.
Maranta fascinator 12cm
Normal price
€8,90
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The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Maranta fascinator
Started out as a plant, ended up as wallpaper 🎨
- Red leaf veins
- Low, spreading habit
- Night-time leaf movement
- Bright filtered light
Maranta leuconeura var. leuconeura ‘Fascinator’ stands out for its broad, oval leaves, with fine red veins curving across a deep green background. Irregular yellow-green markings beside the midrib brighten the pattern, giving each leaf a hand-painted appearance. Its low stems spread gently, while raised leaf edges reveal glimpses of the more purplish underside.
The almost velvety appearance of the foliage suits quiet arrangements with timber and simple ceramics. As the leaves change angle during the day, the shape of the clump changes too: sometimes broad and open, sometimes more gathered, with the pattern visible from different directions.
What makes it special
Three details that become more interesting the longer you watch.
Gently spreading stems
Growth extends sideways as well as upwards. On the edge of a plant stand, stems can gradually trail in a natural way.
Understated flowers
Small, pale flowers may appear above the leaves. Foliage remains the main attraction, even when the plant is not in bloom.
Why you will love it: it brings intricate detail and daily movement to a small plant arrangement.
In your space Placement & plant combinations Position, light and compatible companions
Where it looks its best
Place it on a low stand near a bright window with filtered light, leaving room at the sides for spreading stems. A plain off-white or warm terracotta cachepot lets the red veins stand out. Avoid shelves immediately above radiators.
Plants that complement it
Choose companions that appreciate indirect light and more humid air, keeping each in its own pot.
- Asplenium nidus — upright, unpatterned green fronds behind the low maranta create a contrast in line.
- Fittonia albivenis — smaller leaves at a lower level, with a similar preference for gentle moisture.
- Chamaedorea elegans — airy, feathered foliage in the background, without blocking light to the maranta.
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect light, protected from strong midday sun.
Watering
Water as the surface starts to dry, before the whole pot dries out. Allow thorough drainage.
Atmosphere
A warm room, more humid air and distance from radiators or cold draughts.
Pets
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
For this plant
Compost & nutrition
Detailed care Complete care guide Light, water, humidity, temperature, compost and feeding
Light and position
Provide plenty of filtered light. A sheer curtain helps near a south- or west-facing window. Very dark positions produce sparse growth, while intense sun can fade or scorch the leaf blade.
Correct watering
Water as the surface begins to dry, using room-temperature water, and empty the cachepot after drainage. Avoid letting the compost dry out completely. Low-mineral water is preferable where brown edges become a problem.
Air humidity
It prefers consistently more humid air. In a dry home, a humidifier is more effective than occasional misting. Maintain gentle ventilation and avoid keeping the leaves continuously wet.
Temperature
Keep it in a warm room, ideally around 18–26°C, avoiding temperatures below 15°C. The pot should not touch very cold window glass in winter.
Compost
Use an organic mix that retains even moisture while including airy components around the roots. Choose a pot with drainage holes and avoid compressing the mix excessively when repotting.
Feeding and repotting
During spring and summer, while new leaves are forming, apply a complete liquid foliage-plant fertiliser at half the recommended strength every 4 weeks. Pause when growth stops or the plant is stressed. Repot in spring only when the roots have filled the pot, moving up one size.
Botanical identity Origin of the selection The species’ native range and the history of the cultivated selection
From the wet forests of Brazil
The story begins with Maranta leuconeura, a species of the wet tropical regions of central and eastern Brazil. This is the native home of the species, before its cultivated forms entered ornamental plant collections.
A nineteenth-century botanical name
Édouard Morren described the species botanically in 1874. Later, different cultivated selections became known for their distinctive veins and colour zones, retaining the characteristic movement of the leaves.
The ‘Fascinator’ selection
‘Fascinator’ belongs among the cultivated selections of Maranta leuconeura var. leuconeura. Its red veins spread across the green leaf and frame the paler central pattern. This strong contrast makes it particularly recognisable among marantas grown for their foliage.
Greenleaf for Plant Nerds Scientific facts nobody asked for Botanical details for readers curious about the mechanisms behind the plant
Movement through changing turgor
A swollen joint, the pulvinus, sits at the base of the leaf blade. Changes in water pressure within its cells alter the leaf angle; this night-time movement is called nyctinasty.
A new leaf unrolls
A new leaf develops rolled around itself and gradually unfurls. The young blade first appears as a narrow cylinder before taking on the broad, oval outline of a mature leaf.
A rhizome is a stem
The underground rhizome is a stem with nodes and buds. New shoots and roots can develop from these points, allowing the plant to expand gradually into a low clump.
A different axis of floral symmetry
The small flowers are zygomorphic: a single plane divides them into corresponding halves. Some stamens are sterile and petal-like, contributing to the appearance of the flower.
Frequently asked questions
Leaf movement, brown edges and practical care for your maranta.
01 Why do the leaves rise in the evening?
This is normal nyctinastic movement. Watch whether they open again the following day. A change of angle alone does not mean the plant needs water.
02 Why are the leaves curling during the day?
Check compost moisture, strong sunshine and any hot draught. Both severe dryness and root problems in permanently wet compost can cause a similar appearance.
03 What causes dry leaf edges?
Dry air, uneven watering and accumulated salts are possible factors. Correct the conditions first; damaged tissue will not turn green again. You can remove only the dry portion with clean scissors.
04 Does it need pruning?
Remove dead or damaged leaves with clean scissors. If a stem becomes too long, it can be shortened above a node during active growth, retaining healthy foliage.
05 What should I check if pale speckles appear?
Inspect leaf undersides for spider mites and fine webbing, particularly in warm, dry rooms. Isolate the plant and gently clean the leaves before choosing an appropriate treatment.
06 Can I propagate it when repotting?
An established plant can be divided in spring. Each section needs its own roots and healthy growth. Avoid dividing a small maranta that you have only recently acquired.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.