prayer plant (white-veined prayer plant)
Maranta leuconeura
Tropical perennial with patterned oval leaves that fold at night (the 'prayer' movement). Grown as a houseplant; prefers bright indirect light, high humidity, and evenly moist soil.
Pet-Friendly Plant
Toxicity: non toxic
Maranta leuconeura is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset but is not known to be poisonous.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place the white-veined prayer plant in bright, indirect light — an east or north-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct midday sun which will scorch leaves; a few feet back from a south or west window or behind a sheer curtain works well.
Water
Water when the top 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in) of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly until excess drains and discard trapped water. Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; reduce frequency in cooler months and avoid allowing the pot to sit in standing water.
Humidity
Prefers high humidity (60%+). Use a humidifier, pebble tray, regular misting, or group plants together. Avoid hot dry air from heaters and aim for steady humidity especially in winter when indoor air dries out.
Temperature
Maintain 16–27°C (60–80°F). Avoid sudden drops below 16°C (60°F) and cold drafts; keep away from heating vents to prevent stress.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Brown leaf tips or edges
Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or salt/fluoride buildup in water.
Solution: Increase humidity, regularly flush soil with distilled or rain water, trim brown tips, and keep consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Yellowing leaves and soft stems
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot.
Solution: Check roots, repot into fresh, airy mix if needed, reduce watering frequency, improve drainage and remove affected tissue.
Leaves pale, losing variegation or not folding at night
Cause: Insufficient light or nutrient deficiency.
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light, feed lightly during growing season with balanced fertilizer, and ensure proper watering.
Fine webbing, stippling, or sticky residue
Cause: Spider mites, mealybugs, or scale in dry conditions.
Solution: Increase humidity, isolate plant, wipe leaves with soapy water or neem oil, and repeat treatments until pests are gone.
✂️How to Propagate prayer plant (white-veined prayer plant)
Best propagated by division or stem cuttings. For division, gently remove plant from pot and separate clumps with roots; repot divisions in fresh, well-draining mix. For stem cuttings, take a 2–4 node cutting, place in water or moist potting mix with bottom heat or bright indirect light until roots form (2–4 weeks), then transplant.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Marantaceae
Native to: Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, especially Brazil.
Natural Habitat: An understory forest plant growing in warm, humid, shaded environments with dappled light, rich leaf litter, and consistently moist, well-draining soils on the forest floor.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering frequency and keep soil only slightly moist. Maintain humidity with trays or humidifiers; avoid cold drafts and heating vents. Stop or reduce fertilizing.
Spring
Resume regular watering as growth resumes. Repot if rootbound, begin light monthly feeding with balanced fertilizer and increase humidity and light gradually.
Summer
Provide bright indirect light, consistent moisture, high humidity and good air circulation. Monitor for pests and water more frequently during hot spells.
Fall
Gradually reduce watering and cut back fertilizing. Keep humidity steady and move away from cooling windows or drafts as temperatures fall.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water a prayer plant?
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, typically every 7–14 days depending on temperature and pot size.
Why does my prayer plant fold its leaves at night?
Prayer plants fold leaves at night (nyctinasty) as a normal circadian response; it conserves moisture and tracks day/night cycles.
Can prayer plants tolerate low light?
They tolerate low light but prefer bright, indirect light; insufficient light can reduce variegation and slow growth.
How do I increase humidity for my Maranta?
Use a humidifier, pebble tray, group plants, or regular misting; avoid placing directly on radiators or vents.
Is the prayer plant toxic to pets?
No, Maranta leuconeura is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though ingestion can cause mild stomach upset.
Turn These Tips into Daily Plant Chats
Get watering reminders, humidity alerts, and adorable updates straight from your prayer plant (white-veined prayer plant). TextMyPlant keeps you on schedule so your plants always look their best.
Start chatting with your plants🌿Related Plant Guides
Tulip
BeginnerTulipa
Spring-flowering bulbous perennials with showy cup-shaped flowers in many colors; grown from bulbs, prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and require a cold dormant period to bloom.
Common yarrow
BeginnerAchillea millefolium
Hardy, low-maintenance perennial herb with feathery leaves and flat clusters of tiny flowers; tolerates poor soils, drought, and full sun.
Baby's-breath
BeginnerGypsophila
Genus of herbaceous flowering plants (baby's-breath) grown for airy clusters of tiny white or pink flowers; prefers full sun and well‑drained, neutral to alkaline soil.
Common hyacinth (Dutch hyacinth)
BeginnerHyacinthus orientalis
Fragrant spring-blooming bulbous perennial with dense spikes of bell-shaped flowers in various colors; commonly grown in gardens and containers; hardy in temperate climates.
Last updated: 11/7/2025