Prayer Plant Care (Maranta)
Maranta leuconeura: Red, Lime, Rabbit Tracks, Silver Band and more
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Medium indirect. No direct sun. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | Keep lightly moist. Water when the top 2 cm is dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 18β27Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Higher is better. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Moderate Pet safe |
| π Grows to | 15β30 cm, spreading or trailing. |
Prayer plants fold their leaves upward every evening, like hands in prayer, and open them again in the morning. The patterned leaves, with red veins, lime herringbone or dark rabbit-track spots, make them a favourite for shelves and hanging pots. They're pet safe and a bit easier than their calathea cousins.
Light + placement
Medium, indirect light is best. Direct sun bleaches the colours and burns the leaves. In low light, growth gets leggy and the leaves stop moving as much.
Watering
Keep the soil lightly moist; water when the top 2 cm feels dry. Don't let it dry out completely, and don't leave it sitting in water. Room-temperature, filtered or rested tap water helps prevent brown tips.
Soil + repotting
Our Tropical Potting Mix. Marantas have shallow roots, so a wide, shallow pot works well. Repot every 1β2 years in spring.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Trim leggy stems to encourage fuller growth.
Propagation
Cut a stem just below a node and root it in water; roots appear in a few weeks. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy brown edges | Dry air or soil dried out | Raise humidity; water a bit sooner. |
| Curling leaves | Thirsty | Water deeply. |
| Yellow leaves, wet soil | Overwatering | Let the top 2 cm dry first. |
| Faded, washed-out leaves | Too much light | Move out of direct sun. |
| Leggy stems | Not enough light | Move closer to a window; trim back. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for every maranta. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Why do prayer plant leaves move?
They follow the light: leaves fold up at night and open in the day. It's a sign of a healthy plant.
Is a prayer plant safe for pets?
Yes. Marantas are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Is a prayer plant the same as a calathea?
They're cousins with similar care. Marantas are generally a bit easier.
Can it hang?
Yes. Marantas spread and trail, so they look great in hanging pots.
Prayer Plant care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Houseplant Spray: For spider mites, mealybugs and other pests.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
ZZ Plant Β· Pothos Β· Calathea Β· Hoya Β· Heartleaf Philodendron Β· Peperomia Β· Ferns Β· Scindapsus Β· All plant care β