A prayer plant that raises and folds its leaves every evening is healthy. That movement is how it got its name. When its leaves yellow, curl by day or brown at the tips, the plant is reacting to something in its surroundings, and the cause is usually easy to find.

This guide covers Maranta leuconeura, the prayer plant, also sold as rabbit tracks, herringbone plant or red-veined prayer plant. NC State Extension describes it as an evergreen tropical plant in the arrowroot family (Marantaceae), native to Brazil. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and spreads sideways up to 60 cm (2 ft).

Calatheas are close relatives in the same family, and their care overlaps. They are a different genus with somewhat different needs: see our calathea and Goeppertia care guide and the calathea vs maranta comparison.

Prayer plant care at a glance

FactorWhat the sources say
LightBright, indirect light; too much sun bleaches the leaves (NC State). Tolerates low to medium light
WaterEvenly moist in the growing season; let the soil dry between waterings in winter (NC State, Illinois)
Water qualitySensitive to fluoride and chlorine (NC State, UGA, Iowa State)
HumidityHigh humidity; intolerant of dry air (NC State, Illinois)
TemperatureWarm; intolerant of low temperatures and cold drafts (NC State, Illinois)
MixRegular potting mix (Illinois)
FeedingOnly during active growth; leaves burn with over-fertilization (NC State, Illinois)
PropagationDivision of the rhizomes (NC State)
PetsNon-toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA)

Light

NC State recommends bright, indirect light and warns that too much sun will bleach out the leaf colours. It says the plant tolerates low to medium light but is intolerant of direct sun. Illinois Extension describes the right light as diffused sun or bright, indirect light. The RHS lists full or partial shade as its position.

Low light has its own sign. NC State notes that the colours on both sides of the leaf fade when light or fertility is low. A prayer plant with washed-out markings is asking for a brighter spot, out of direct sun.

Watering and water quality

NC State advises keeping the potting mix evenly moist through the growing season, then holding back so the soil can dry out in winter. Illinois Extension agrees and adds one specific warning: do not let water stand on the crowns, because the stems rot easily.

A practical routine:

  1. In spring and summer, water when the surface starts to feel dry, so the mix stays evenly moist (NC State).
  2. Water at the soil, not into the crown, until it runs from the drainage holes.
  3. Empty the saucer. UGA Extension notes that saucers can build up salts from fertilizer.
  4. In winter, let the soil dry between waterings (Illinois).

Water quality matters for this plant. NC State says the leaves burn with high fluoride levels. University of Georgia Extension names Maranta among plants susceptible to fluorine and chlorine in water, and suggests letting water stand for several days before use. Iowa State lists prayer plant among species sensitive to chlorine and fluoride, and suggests a different water source if browning persists.

Humidity and temperature

Prayer plant needs more humidity than most homes provide. NC State says it requires high humidity and is intolerant of low humidity. It suggests a humidified room or a pot standing on a tray of wet pebbles. Illinois Extension also lists high humidity and warm temperatures.

Iowa State says many houseplants prefer 40–50% relative humidity, while homes in winter may drop to 10–20%. It recommends a humidifier, grouping plants or a pebble tray, and notes that misting is not effective.

NC State says prayer plant is intolerant of low temperatures and cold drafts. UGA Extension gives 21–27 °C (70–80 °F) by day and 18–21 °C (65–70 °F) at night as the best range for indoor plants generally. Keep the plant away from cold glass, doors and vents.

Feeding

Feed lightly. NC State says the leaves burn with over-fertilization, and that colour fades when fertility is too low. Illinois Extension advises feeding houseplants only while they are actively growing, no more than every 1–3 months between March and September. It recommends leaching the pot with plain water every 4–6 months to avoid salt build-up.

Propagation and repotting

NC State says prayer plant spreads horizontally and is propagated by division of its rhizomes. Ease the plant out of its pot and separate the clump into pieces, each with roots and leaves. Pot each piece into fresh, regular potting mix (Illinois). New leaves appear as a rolled tube before they open (NC State).

Its spreading habit also makes it a good hanging-basket plant, as NC State notes.

Yellow leaves

Yellow leaves have several causes, so check them in order.

  • Wet mix and soft stems. Clemson HGIC says yellowing of the whole plant is most often caused by overwatering. Illinois warns that prayer plant stems rot easily if water sits on the crowns. Check the roots: dark, soft roots mean rot.
  • Older leaves only. Clemson links yellowing and browning of lower leaves to nitrogen or iron shortage, or to the plant drying out too long. A pot-bound plant is more prone.
  • Faded colour across the plant. NC State links fading to low light and low fertility.
  • Cold or drafts. Iowa State lists cold air and temperature swings among the causes of yellowing and leaf drop.

The RHS adds that overwatering tends to yellow old and new leaves at the same time, while a dry plant yellows its older, lower leaves first.

Curling leaves

First, make sure the movement is not normal. NC State explains that leaves lie flat by day and stand upright at night. New leaves also emerge rolled. Neither needs fixing.

Leaves that stay rolled during the day are a stress sign. NC State says prayer plant is intolerant of low humidity, direct sun, low temperatures and cold drafts. The RHS links rolling and wilting leaves to heat stress, and wilting with crispy edges to lack of water. Check the mix moisture first, then humidity, then the plant’s position. Our prayer plant curling leaves guide walks through each cause in order.

Brown tips and edges

Iowa State calls low humidity the most common reason for brown leaf tips. It also lists uneven watering, especially letting plants dry out too long, salt build-up from fertilizer, and chlorine or fluoride in water. NC State says the leaves burn with high fluoride and over-fertilization.

To narrow it down:

  1. Check the humidity, especially in winter with the heating on.
  2. Look for white crust on the soil or pot rim. Clemson says this is a sign of salt build-up. Flush the pot with plenty of water.
  3. Switch to rainwater or distilled water if you use fluoridated tap water.
  4. Trim brown edges if you like. Iowa State notes the browning will return unless the cause is fixed.

Problem summary

What you seeLikely causeFirst check
Whole plant yellowing, mix wetOverwatering, crown or root rot (Clemson, Illinois)Roots and crown; let the surface dry
Lower leaves yellow and brownNitrogen or iron shortage, or prolonged dryness (Clemson)Feeding and watering history
Faded markingsLow light or low fertility (NC State)Brighter indirect light
Leaves rolled by dayDry air, dry mix, sun, cold drafts (NC State, RHS)Mix moisture, then humidity
Brown tips and edgesLow humidity, fluoride, salts, uneven watering (Iowa State, NC State)Humidity and water source
Bleached patchesToo much sun (NC State)Move out of direct sun

NC State says prayer plant has no serious pest or disease problems. Still check leaf undersides for fine webbing or speckling, and see our pest guide if you find insects.

Is prayer plant safe for pets?

Yes. The ASPCA lists prayer plant as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses; its entry includes Maranta among the plant’s names. For more options, see our pet-safe plants guide.

References