Selling size: Well rooted plant | 2.5" Pot Included | Secure Packing
The Maranta leuconeura, commonly known as the Prayer Plant, is admired for its beautifully patterned leaves that fold upward at night like praying hands — hence the name. Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, this plant is beloved for its stunning oval leaves marked with herringbone-like veins in shades of red, light green, and dark green. Compact and non-toxic, it makes an excellent indoor plant for tabletops, terrariums, and shaded balconies.
🌿 Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant) Care Guide:
☀️ Light Requirements
Prayer Plants prefer bright, indirect light similar to their natural forest-floor habitat.
Ideal: Place them near an east- or north-facing window with filtered sunlight.
Avoid: Direct sun exposure, which can fade the leaf color or scorch the foliage.
Low light: It can tolerate moderate to low light, but too little light causes slow growth and dull leaf patterns.
If your space lacks natural light, LED grow lights can keep the plant healthy and colorful.
🌡️ Temperature and Humidity
Maranta leuconeura thrives in warm, humid environments.
Ideal temperature range: 18°C to 28°C.
Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C, which can cause leaf curling or stunted growth.
Maintain high humidity (60% or above) for best results.
To increase humidity:
Use a humidifier nearby,
Place the pot on a pebble tray with water,
Or group plants together to create a naturally humid microclimate.
Regular misting also helps but avoid soaking the leaves excessively to prevent fungal issues.
💧 Watering
Marantas prefer consistently moist but not soggy soil.
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as these plants are sensitive to tap water chemicals like fluoride and chlorine.
Ensure your pot has good drainage holes to prevent root rot.
During summer, you may need to water 2–3 times a week, while in winter, reduce watering slightly. Droopy leaves indicate thirst, but they’ll recover quickly once watered.
🌱 Soil
Prayer Plants love a light, well-draining yet moisture-retentive soil mix that allows roots to breathe.A good mix includes:
1 part coco peat or peat moss
1 part compost or leaf mold
1 part perlite or coarse sand
You can also add a handful of orchid bark or coco chips for extra aeration. Avoid heavy or clay-based soils that retain too much moisture.
🌸 Fertilizing
Feed your Maranta leuconeura during its growing season (spring to early autumn) for lush, vibrant foliage.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 3–4 weeks.
Avoid over-fertilizing — too much feed can lead to brown leaf tips or burnt roots.
Stop fertilizing during winter when the plant’s growth slows naturally.
✂️ Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning keeps your Prayer Plant bushy and healthy.
Trim back long or leggy stems to encourage new shoots.
Remove yellow or damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.
Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and promote better photosynthesis.
Repot every 2–3 years, preferably in spring, when roots start circling the pot or growth slows down.
🌿 Propagation
Maranta leuconeura can be propagated easily through stem cuttings or division:
Cut a healthy stem below a node, ensuring it has at least two leaves.
Place it in water or a moist mix of peat and perlite.
Roots form within 2–4 weeks.
Once rooted, transfer to a small pot with fresh soil.
Alternatively, divide an established plant during repotting by gently separating rooted sections and replanting them individually.
🐛 Common Problems and Pests
Brown leaf tips or edges: Usually caused by low humidity or mineral-rich tap water.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Curling leaves: Too little water, low humidity, or excessive direct sunlight.
Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Maintaining consistent moisture and humidity helps prevent most issues.
🏡 Decor and Benefits
The Prayer Plant is perfect for indoor tabletops, hanging baskets, and terrariums. Its intricate leaf pattern and movement add life and personality to your plant collection. Additionally, it helps purify indoor air, creating a fresher environment.
Its compact growth habit makes it a great choice for small apartments, bedrooms, or offices.
🌼 In Summary
The Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant) is a tropical gem that rewards gentle care with vibrant foliage and captivating nightly leaf movements. Keep it in warm, humid conditions, provide bright indirect light, and maintain evenly moist soil. With proper care, your Prayer Plant will stay lush, colorful, and full of charm — a living work of art in your indoor garden.
