Maranta leuconeura
This tropical plant from Central and South American rainforests features vividly patterned leaves that fold at night like praying hands, thrives in warm temperatures, high humidity, bright indirect light, and consistently moist, well-draining soil, with propagation by division or stem-tip cuttings.
Common Names
Prayer Plant, Black Prayer Plant, Herringbone Plant, Lemon Lime Prayer Plant, Rabbit’s Foot Prayer Plant, Rabbit’s Tracks, Red Prayer Plant, Ten Commandments
Summary
Maranta leuconeura, commonly called the Prayer Plant, is a tropical rhizomatous perennial native to the rainforests of Brazil. It is a low-growing, clump-forming plant with striking patterned green leaves that may show red veins, and leaves that fold upward at night (nyctinasty), giving the appearance of praying hands; foliage is the plant’s hallmark and is non-toxic to people and pets.
It prefers bright, indirect light, warm temperatures around 60–80°F, and high humidity, with well-draining soil kept evenly moist but not soggy; water when the top inch dries. It is commonly grown indoors as a decorative specimen and can be outdoors in USDA zones 11–12, with propagation by division or stem cuttings; fertilize during the growing season and repot every 1–2 years. Monitor for pests like spider mites and mealybugs and boost humidity with misting or a pebble tray to maintain leaf color and prevent brown tips.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
6-18 inches
Spread
6-12 inches
Hardiness Zones
Zones 11-12
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade; avoids direct sunlight.
Soil Type
Well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter, often peat-based
Soil Drainage
Well-drained, moist but not soggy soil.
Soil pH
5.5-6.0 (slightly acidic)
Bloom Color
Insignificant
Bloom Time
Spring to Summer
Foliage Color
Green, with variegated forms featuring cream-colored patterns or red veins.
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Slow-growing, growth slows in winter
Seasons of Interest
Spring and Summer
Propagation Methods
Division, Stem cuttings
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- É.Morren
- Publication
- Ann. Hort. Belge Étrangère 24: 323 (1874)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Zingiberales
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Genus
- Maranta
Synonyms
Calathea leuconeura Maranta depressa Maranta kerchoviana Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana Maranta leuconeura var. massangeana Maranta leuconeura var. leuconeura Maranta kerchovei Maranta massangeana unr. atrata Maranta massangeana unr. florentina Maranta massangeana unr. metallica Calathea massangeana Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana Maranta massangeana Maranta leuconeura var. massangeana Calathea massangeana Maranta fascinator Maranta massangeana Calathea fascinator Calathea leuconeura Calathea kerchoveana