Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura
A rainforest-floor perennial with patterned leaves that fold upward at night like hands in prayer. Dark spots or red veins stay clearest in bright, indirect light with steady moisture and higher humidity. Pet-safe and moderate to grow.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
The Maranta leuconeura is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it a safe choice for pet-owning households.
Full care guide
Prayer Plant Care
Keep Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant) healthy with bright indirect light, steady moisture, high humidity, and clean water so those patterned leaves keep their nightly fold.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Place your Maranta in bright, indirect light. Direct sun scorches leaves and fades the pattern. Lower light is survivable, but markings look less sharp.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Marantas are sensitive to fluoride and salts in tap water, so distilled, rain, or filtered water works better for many growers. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
Choose a peat-based mix with perlite or coco coir so it stays airy while holding moisture. Repot when the root ball fills the planter.
Humidity & Temperature
Aim for humidity above 50%. Mist, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier nearby. Keep temperatures around 65–80°F.
Common Issues
Brown edges usually mean low humidity or tap-water sensitivity. Yellow leaves often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Watch for spider mites in dry rooms.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (10-10-10)
Soil
Rich, peat-based, well-draining potting soil
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
12 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings taken just below a node or division of the root ball during repotting.
Common Varieties
Erythroneura (Red Prayer Plant)
Oval dark green leaves with red herringbone veins, a pale green center, and purple undersides.
Kerchoveana (Rabbit's Foot)
Broad light green oval leaves with two rows of dark blotches along the midrib, like rabbit tracks.
Marisela
Oval dark green leaves with chartreuse herringbone veins and a pale green central splash.
Kim
Light green oval leaves with dark chocolate blotches and creamy white variegation streaks.