Maranta leuconeura

Prayer Plant, Herringbone Plant, Red Prayer Plant

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic15–30 cm

Best known for its nightly leaf-folding behaviour, which resembles hands held in prayer. The oblong-elliptic leaves display a herringbone pattern of red veins against dark green, with lighter central variegation and purple-red undersides. A low-growing, spreading species that does well in closed terrariums, where high humidity and warmth mirror its native Brazilian rainforest floor.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Prayer Plant image

Photo by Kurt Stüber·CC BY-SA 3.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 15–27 °C, and reaches 30 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 27°C

Soil

Peat moss(preferred)Well draining

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Take 10–15 cm stem cuttings with at least one node below the cut. Place in water or moist soil until roots develop.

Native range

Native to Brazil.

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingCreeping

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

SmoothVelvety

Frequently asked

Can Prayer Plant grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Prayer Plant prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Prayer Plant need drainage?

Prayer Plant prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Prayer Plant need?

Prayer Plant does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Prayer Plant pet-safe?

Prayer Plant is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Prayer Plant grow?

Prayer Plant typically reaches 15–30 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Prayer Plant?

Prayer Plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or division.

References

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    NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/maranta-leuconeura/
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