Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)

The Maranta leuconeura — the prayer plant — is famous for its almost animal-like behaviour: its leaves fold vertically every evening (like praying hands) and reopen each morning. This phenomenon, called nyctinasty, fascinates kids and adults alike. A close cousin of the Calathea, it shares the same humidity and filtered-water demands.

What you really need to know

Stunning plant but demanding: filtered water mandatory, high humidity, no drafts. Reserved for plant parents who’ve cut their teeth elsewhere. Beginners should rather check our easy plants list.

Light

Medium to bright indirect. No direct sun (bleaches the patterns). Tolerates partial shade well. Ideal in an east- or north-facing room.

Watering

Every 5 to 7 days. Slightly moist substrate at all times without being soaked. Filtered or rain water mandatory (sensitive to limescale and fluoride).

Humidity and temperature

Critical: 60-80 % humidity. Below 50 %, edges brown. Humidifier almost mandatory in winter. Temperature 18-24 °C, never below 16 °C.

Mistakes to avoid

• Tap water: brown edges guaranteed within months
• Dry winter air: curled, brown leaves
• Direct sun: bleached patterns
• Drafts: sudden leaf drop

Toxicity

✅ Non-toxic to cats, dogs and children. Ideal for pet households.

Propagation

By division at repotting (spring). Carefully separate the rhizomes with roots on each section. Water cuttings don’t work for the Maranta.

Popular cultivars

• Maranta leuconeura erythroneura: spectacular red veins (the most sought-after)
• Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana: alternating green spots (rabbit’s foot)
• Maranta lemon-lime: electric lime version