Maranta

Maranta leuconeura

Prayer Plant

Family: Marantaceae

Genus: Maranta

Species: Leuconeura

Common name: Prayer Plant, Rabbitfoot, Bunny Tracks, Herringbone Plant, Arrow Root. 

Cultivars: Black (‘Massangeana’), Red (‘Erythroneura’), Lemon lime, Beauty Kim, Kerchoveana, Silver Band 

Difficulty: Low

Description: This plant earned the common name Prayer Plant for the behavior of the leaves. They open wide during daylight, and close upward at night. This behavior coupled with the oval leaves that grow in pairs make it appear that in the night the plant is praying. This group of lovely plants have so much to give in the color department. Jet black, red, pink, yellow, white, maroon, and various greens. They regularly flower indoors and while the flowers aren’t as showy as the foliage, they are adorable small flowers on top of long stalks that tower almost a foot above the rest of the plant. 

Mature size: 24”-36” wide. Will get bigger if in a hanging basket and allowed to trail. 

Light: Bright light. Low light tolerant. Avoid direct sunlight as the thin leaves can easily burn.

Water: This water loving plant likes to be evenly moist only drying to 25% between deep soaks. It is great for people who are notoriously over watering. It is nearly impossible to overwater. It will wilt when thirsty showing you, you waited too long between waterings. 

Temperature: Ideal between 65-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 50 degrees. 

Humidity: Ambient home humidity is fine for this plant. It will not be bothered by dry air. 

Soil: A rich moisture retaining mix is ideal. We use 2-parts coco coir, 1-part perlite, 1-part sand, 1-part worm casting.

Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. If using grow lights, fertilize year-round. If using only natural light, fertilize from May to September. 

Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting. Water the plant in after transplant.

Toxicity: Non-toxic, non-poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats. Although we never recommend allowing people or pets to eat houseplants.  

Native to: Central and South America, however most of the varieties are man-made. 

Companion animals: Ideal ground cover for all retile and amphibians in subtropical and tropical vivariums! While a Redfooted tortoise might just eat the entire plant, its forgiving nature and quick growth makes it suitable for many species.