prayer plant
Maranta leuconeura
How do you care for prayer plant?
Light: Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer. Soil: Standard well-draining potting mix works well. Add perlite for extra drainage if you tend to overwater. Keep it away from cats and dogs.
About Prayer Plant
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) care guide from the PlantGrail knowledge base. Covers symptom diagnosis, disease treatment and pest control. Compare the symptoms and growing conditions before choosing a care step.
Prayer Plant care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect. Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Grow lights: Thrives under artificial grow lights (LED or fluorescent, 10-12 hours/day). A great option if your space lacks natural light.
- Watering
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer.
- Humidity
- Loves higher humidity (60%+). If your air is dry, group it with other plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier nearby.
- Temperature
- Prefers moderate temperatures (60-80°F). Keep away from radiators and intense afternoon sun windows.
- Soil
- Standard well-draining potting mix works well. Add perlite for extra drainage if you tend to overwater.
- Pets
- May be toxic to pets. Keep out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children.
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
Common Prayer Plant problems, answered
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Prayer Plant Curling Leaves: Normal Folding or Stress?
Prayer plant leaves stand up and fold at night by design, and new leaves emerge as rolled tubes. Leaves that stay rolled inward by day usually point to dry mix, low humidity, direct sun or heat, cold drafts, or fluoride and fertilizer burn.
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Maranta Propagation: Divide the Clump or Root a Cutting
Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is easiest to propagate by dividing its rhizomes when you repot. Stem or basal cuttings with at least one node also root, in mix or water, if you keep them warm and humid.
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