- Decorative Foliage
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low Light)
- Above Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 6-12 Inches
- Pet Safe
The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a very popular houseplant due to the wide variety of patterns found on its beautiful leaves. These plants are native to the tropical forest floors of Brazil. The prayer plant family is easily distinguishable since each plant has highly patterned, decorative foliage. It gets its name from the moving leaves that lay flat during the day and fold up like prayer hands at night.
Best Locations For Growing Prayer Plant
The prayer plant is an excellent choice for any room in the home or office because it tolerates low to medium light. A location with plenty of humidity is preferred for this tropical plant. However, you can easily get away with placing the prayer plant in a dry location by misting the plant daily.
Prayer Plant Sunlight Requirements
In order for the prayer plant to thrive, provide it with plenty of indirect sunlight. Near an east- or west-facing window would be an ideal location. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves. This plant is generally more tolerant of low-light conditions. During the winter months, these plants can go dormant and stop growing unless provided with supplemental light.
Prayer Plant Care
Prayer plants like to stay at a temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and at a high humidity. Creating a greenhouse-like environment indoors can be challenging. To increase the humidity, place a small humidifier nearby, or place the plant on a humidity tray. Alternatively, you can choose to mist the leaves with tepid water. Prayer plants usually are fine with traditional potting soils, provided adequate drainage. These plants are slow growers, so if your plant outgrows its container, go up only one size and choose a container that has ample drainage holes.
Watering Prayer Plant
During their growing season, spring through summer, these plants prefer to be kept moist at all times. Prayer plants can be watered slightly less during the winter–water them when the top two inches of soil are dry. These plants are sensitive to being under-watered. At the same time, ensure that the plant doesn’t sit in water and become soggy since the roots may rot.
Feeding Prayer Plant
Feed your prayer plant biweekly from early spring to fall, then reduce feeding to once a month in the winter. Use a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer at half strength. Fertilize regularly to encourage growth.
Prayer Plant Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Above Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: Moderate |
Habit: Trailing |
Growth Rate: Slow |
Mature Height: 6-12 inches |
Mature Spread: 6-12 inches |
Flowering: No |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage |
Fragrant: No |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Light Grey-Green Leaves with Darker Green Patches On Each Side |
Temperature: 65° - 70°F (18° - 21°C) |
Humidity: Above 60% |
Common Name: Prayer Plant |
Other Name(s): Prayer Plant |
Scientific Name: Maranta leuconeura |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Maranta_Leuconeura-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.