Maranta leuconeura

An evergreen tropical plant is commonly grown as a houseplant in temperate climates. The Prayer Plant has variegated ovate leaves with entire margins that fold at night to resemble praying hands.  The undersides of the leaves are gray-green to purple-green. New leaves appear as a rolled tube.  Place in bright, indirect light, as too much sun will bleach out the attractive leaves colors. Keep potting soil evenly moist throughout the growing season but hold back to allow the soil to dry out in the winter months. Place this plant in a humidified room or standing pot in a tray of wet pebbles as it requires high humidity. Propagate by rhizomatous division.

This plant blooms under ideal conditions, but the flowers are small and not very effective. This plant is desired for its interesting, patterned foliage. The prominent red fishbone-patterned veins, pale central variegation, and pale underside are characteristic of this plant. By day, leaves are held parallel to the ground and move to a perpendicular 'prayer' position at night. Leaf upper and undersides lose color in low light and fertility situations. This plant is commonly used in interiors as hanging baskets and as ground cover in interiorscapes. This plant tolerates low to medium light. It is intolerant of direct sunlight or low humidity. It is also intolerant of low temperatures or cold drafts. Leaf burns with high fluorides and with over-fertilization. This plant has no serious pest or disease problems.

Quick ID Hints:

• Rabbit track-like dark spots on each side midrib
• Leaves raised to 'prayer' position at night
• Leaf underside is light grey-green
• Low-growing with oblong leaves and truncate apex
• Leaf is oblong-elliptic with red fishbone-pattern veins
• Leaf underside is usually red/purple
• Variegation down midrib is light green to yellow

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems but occasional spider mites and mealybugs. Root rot may occur with poorly drained soils.