‹ All plantsPrayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura
MarantaMood Meter: Needs a Little Love
Also called: Red Prayer Plant, Herringbone Plant
Oval leaves with strong symmetrical markings along the veins; low spreading growth rather than tall canes
Growth habit: low, spreading clump. Drought tolerance: low.
Leaves fold/raise upward at night (nyctinasty) - normal behavior, not wilting. Shares the humidity sensitivity of Calathea/Goeppertia.
Plant Mood Meter: Needs a Little Love
Not impossible, but it notices dry air, inconsistent moisture, mineral buildup, and harsh light sooner than tougher foliage plants.
Care guide
Medium to bright diffused/indirect light. Direct sun: Avoid harsh direct sun.
Keep moisture fairly consistent, allowing the surface to begin drying without repeatedly letting the whole root zone become bone dry.
Airy, moisture-retentive tropical mix with good organic matter and drainage.
Moderate to high humidity is helpful, especially for preventing crispy margins.
No support needed; natural growth is low and spreading.
Problems Planticist can help with UnderwateringOverwatering / poor aerationRoot rot / impaired rootsExcess light / sun scorchInsufficient light (etiolation)Normal lower-leaf senescenceLow-humidity stressPest damageFertilizer / mineral salt buildup
