Prayer Plant

Maranta leuconeura · Houseplant

Quick answer: Water: Every 5–7 days, when the top 1 in is dry (estimated). Light: Medium to bright indirect light; no direct sun. Soil: Airy peat- or coir-based mix with perlite, pH 5.5–6.5 (estimated). Pets: Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Eating a lot of it can still cause mild stomach upset. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Known for its patterned leaves that lie flat by day and fold upward at night, like hands in prayer. It is a tidy, low plant that likes warmth, humidity and soft light, and it trails nicely from a shelf or hanging pot.

Care at a glance

Light

Medium to bright indirect light; no direct sun

Water

Keep lightly moist; water when the top 1 in is dry, a bit drier in winter

Soil

Airy peat- or coir-based mix with perlite, pH 5.5–6.5 (estimated)

Temperature

65–80 °F; keep above 60 °F (estimated)

Pot size

6 in pot; grows about 6–12 in tall

Container/Pot

Shallow, wide pot with drainage

Growth

Moderate; spreads and trails over time

Lifespan

Perennial; many years indoors

When?

Repot or divide in spring, every 1–2 years, when roots fill the pot. Stem cuttings taken from spring to summer root in water in about 3–4 weeks (estimated).

Step by step

1. Pick a shallow pot with drainage; roots stay near the surface.
2. Use a light mix that holds moisture but drains freely.
3. Place in soft, indirect light; strong sun fades and burns the leaves.
4. Water with filtered or rested tap water when the top 1 in is dry.
5. Keep humidity high with a tray of wet pebbles or a humidifier.
6. Feed every 4 weeks in the growing season, following the product label.
7. Trim long stems just below a leaf node to encourage fuller growth.
8. Divide crowded clumps in spring to make new plants.

Common problems

Pets

Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Eating a lot of it can still cause mild stomach upset. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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