---
title: "Hi everyone! About three months ago I got a variegated maranta…"
description: "Hi everyone! About three months ago I got a variegated maranta leuconeura kershoveana. It seemed to be doing well for a while, and the variegation is still…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/MHDCEEvjSYaZAT8jdVgR2w/L_LDJZ7DRXOTFmWBOlVgDQ"
community: "Prayer Plant Allies"
author: "Anya"
published: "2024-06-30T23:35:26.690701Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/qPL_f6iGWc_0D-xFCdOHf39W18gscWRiI89jFlgHPLo/G6k2WoWkTFCfY7fJyo4pRg.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Prayer Plant Allies](https://getplanta.com/community/MHDCEEvjSYaZAT8jdVgR2w.md)

# Hi everyone! About three months ago I got a variegated maranta…

_Posted by Anya on 2024-06-30_

Hi everyone! About three months ago I got a variegated maranta leuconeura kershoveana. It seemed to be doing well for a while, and the variegation is still stunning, but now it seems like the leaves just keep getting smaller. Does anyone have any idea why this could be happening? She lives in front of an eastern window and other than accidentally underwatering twice, she is usually watered with distilled water when 25% dry (and is in an airy mix that still has moisture retention). Thanks in advance, I really love this plant 😭

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/qPL_f6iGWc_0D-xFCdOHf39W18gscWRiI89jFlgHPLo/G6k2WoWkTFCfY7fJyo4pRg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/qPL_f6iGWc_0D-xFCdOHf39W18gscWRiI89jFlgHPLo/PkkUFZj0T26is4MDY8EFLQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/qPL_f6iGWc_0D-xFCdOHf39W18gscWRiI89jFlgHPLo/kmhSSU3XTgyQXYvrTQq82Q.webp?size=large)

## 11 comments

### Anya commented on 2024-06-30

She used to get this pink sunstressing so maybe too little light is the problem?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/qPL_f6iGWc_0D-xFCdOHf39W18gscWRiI89jFlgHPLo/Xe6mwa-bRTmYQXmKN8LEIw.webp?size=large)

#### Anya replied on 2024-06-30

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/qPL_f6iGWc_0D-xFCdOHf39W18gscWRiI89jFlgHPLo/Q8iMlqbzTSO6GIs63uTPuQ.webp?size=large)

### MikeNeedsMorePlants commented on 2024-06-30

When was its last repot or soil change? Maybe it's running out of nutrients and needs some fertilizer

#### Anya replied on 2024-06-30

The last repot was when I got it 3 months ago. Is there a fertilizer in particular you would recommend?

#### Anya replied on 2024-07-01

I’ve been using osmocote, mostly because slow release is easier to keep up with 😅

#### MikeNeedsMorePlants replied on 2024-07-01

I haven't taken care of any prayer plants, so perhaps consult Google for fertilizer recs for prayer plants specifically, but I also use osmocote!

Before you go the fertilizer route, I would recommend that you make sure (as eatyacarbs says) that it isn't a light issue. Sometimes you're at the right facing window but shadows or trees block light before it comes into the window.

#### MikeNeedsMorePlants replied on 2024-07-01

^ Fertilization is usually my last go-to once I've ruled out water, light, and humidity (but humidity isn't your issue or else the leaves would be crisping up)

### eatyacarbs commented on 2024-07-01

it sounds and looks like it’s not getting enough light. an east window would probably be best for bright direct morning light, bright indirect later. usually less light = smaller leaves and vice versa 😊 and without adequate light these lose their pretty markings as you noted above

#### Anya replied on 2024-07-01

So would you recommend a few feet back from a western window? It’s currently in an eastern window

#### Planty28 replied on 2024-07-01

As close to west or south window as possible without getting direct rays would be perfect 👍

#### eatyacarbs replied on 2024-07-01

a few feet back from a south facing maybe? west is worth a try if east isn’t cutting it. or a grow light! good luck 😊

---

_Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_