Prayer plant care guide
Maranta leuconeura
Also known as: Prayer plant, Red prayer plant
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Prayer plant
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 4 days
- Water generously when the topsoil dries and do not let it dry right out, as a guide; in summer water in the cool of morning or evening.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 6 days
- Cooler weather slows drying, so generally water a day or two after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the soil dries, and stretch the interval further in a room below 15°C.
Light and placement for Prayer plant
A bright spot out of direct sun is about right; it generally tolerates dimmer light than calatheas, but in deep shade the leaf pattern fades and the stems stretch.
Overwintering Prayer plant
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Tender to cold: move it to a warm room as nights fall below 15°C and keep it above about 10°C, using misting or a humidifier where heating dries the air.
Fertilizing and repotting Prayer plant
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid feed about every two to three weeks from May to September; too much browns the leaf tips, so keep it light, and give none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Prayer plant
- Dry air browns the leaf edges.
- Overwatering in winter rots the roots.
- By a cold window the leaves blacken and drop.
Tips for growing Prayer plant
- The leaves fold upward at night like praying hands, which gives the plant its name and shows it is healthy.
- The stems trail, so grow it in a hanging pot or cut them back and root the cuttings in water.
- Mist with room-temperature water left to stand so it leaves no white residue.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
