SPECIES CARE GUIDE

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Use this guide as a starting point for caring for this species at home.

Lighting

Choose bright, indirect light. Strong direct sun can fade the leaf pattern.

Keep the mix evenly moist during active growth. Water less often when growth slows and the pot takes longer to dry.

Use a mix that holds moisture while allowing excess water to drain.

Prayer plants prefer humid air. Keep them away from dry vents.

Choose a warm spot away from cold drafts.

Feed conservatively. Too much fertilizer can burn the leaves.

The stems spread outward, and the patterned leaves lift and fold in the evening.

Divide an established plant at the rhizomes.

If leaf edges brown, check watering, drainage, and fertilizer use. NC State also notes that high fluoride levels can burn the leaves.

This guide covers the care details documented for this species in the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.