Low humidity or tap-water salts. Raise humidity and switch to filtered or distilled water.

Leaves stay flat at night

It folds in response to light; a stressed plant may stop. Check watering and humidity; the movement returns as it settles.

Too much direct sun. Move to indirect light.

Overwatering or hard water. Ease off water and use filtered water.

Houseplants

How to care for Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

A pet-safe trailing plant whose patterned leaves fold up at night like praying hands. Loves humidity.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Light

Medium light

Where to put it

Medium to bright indirect light; direct sun fades the markings. A spot out of drafts suits it.

Watering

Every 4–7 days; less in winter but never bone-dry.

Soil mix

Moisture-retentive but well-draining mix with peat or coco coir and perlite.

Pot

A pot with drainage; shallow is fine for its spreading roots.

Repotting

Every 1–2 years in spring.

Propagation

Divide at repotting, or root stem cuttings taken below a node in water or moist mix.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Crispy brown edges. Low humidity or tap-water salts. Raise humidity and switch to filtered or distilled water.
Leaves stay flat at night. It folds in response to light; a stressed plant may stop. Check watering and humidity; the movement returns as it settles.
Faded markings. Too much direct sun. Move to indirect light.
Yellowing leaves. Overwatering or hard water. Ease off water and use filtered water.