Prayer plant care guide
Maranta leuconeura
Quick answer
Water your prayer plant when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 10 to 14 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
- Pet safetyNot confirmed pet-safe
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 10 to 14 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Prayer plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your prayer plant every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
Humidity60–80%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–27 °C (64–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 15 °C (59 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 60–80% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Not confirmed pet-safe
Common questions
How often should I water a prayer plant?
Water your prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days.
How much light does a prayer plant need?
Prayer plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Why is my prayer plant turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · synonymy · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxHouseplant context · light · moisture · humidity · temperature · fluoride/overfeeding · pests · root rot
- Royal Horticultural SocietyLight · compost · moisture · humidity · feeding · winter · pests
- University of Illinois ExtensionPotting mix · moisture · diffused light · temperature · humidity · crown watering warning
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrayer plant record for Calathea insignis · not species-exact for Maranta leuconeura
- How we check our plant advice
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