Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura
Stunning foliage plant with oval leaves featuring dark-green patterns and bright-red veins. Named because the leaves fold upward at night like hands in prayer, then unfurl each morning. A fascinating living ornament.
Best rooms for prayer plant
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Tolerates shade and north-facing windows with limited natural light.
How to care for prayer plant
Bright indirect light — direct sun bleaches the leaf patterns. Keep compost evenly moist using filtered or rainwater (sensitive to chlorine). High humidity is beneficial; mist regularly or place on a pebble tray. Feed fortnightly spring-summer with a diluted liquid feed. Minimum 15°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Division in spring
- Stem cuttings with a node
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Brown leaf edges from dry air or hard water
- Curling leaves from underwatering
- Fading leaf patterns in too much light
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