At a glance
- Light
- Medium / indirect light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 10 to 14 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–27 °C
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- Pet safety
- Not confirmed pet-safe
- Scientific name
- Maranta leuconeura
When and how much water
Water prayer plant when the top 3 cm 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. 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.
Light and placement
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 prayer plant every 45 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
Prayer plant is comfortable between 18 and 27 °C. Below 15 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
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
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Prayer plant?
Water your prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) when the top 3 cm 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.
Is Prayer plant safe for cats and dogs?
Prayer plant is not listed in the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database, so we cannot confirm it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets, and call your vet if your pet chews it.
Why are my Prayer plant’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a prayer plant, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing leaves, mushy leaf bases, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see crispy brown edges, curling leaves, or browning tips instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
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
Last reviewed: 2026-09-21
