Maranta leuconeura, also known as the prayer plant, is a beautiful houseplant with unique foliage. Its leaves move throughout the day, opening in the morning and folding upward at night, like praying hands.
Learn more about the meaning and symbolism behind Maranta leuconeura.
Light
Your Maranta will do best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. If dust builds up, gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to help them absorb light more efficiently.
If your prayer plant isn’t thriving, check out common care problems and how to fix them.
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Water
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks. The soil should stay consistently moist but not soggy. Letting it dry out too much can cause drooping leaves and brown edges. If you’re unsure when to water, a moisture meter can help.
Not sure when to water? Here’s how to use a soil moisture meter to keep your plant happy.
Fertilizing
Feed your plant once a month during spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Make sure the soil is damp before fertilizing, and pause feeding in winter when growth slows down.
Humidity
Marantas love humidity, and dry air can cause brown, crispy leaf tips. If your home is dry, misting the leaves can help for a short time, but a small humidifier near the plant works best for keeping moisture levels up.
Propagation
You can propagate Maranta by dividing a mature plant during repotting or by rooting stem cuttings in water or soil. Both methods are simple ways to grow new plants from your existing one.
Want to propagate your plant? Here are six easy ways to propagate houseplants.