foliage
DecorativeLemon Lime Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA (Maranta, non-toxic)).
Some direct sun — an east or west window, or a few hours of direct light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
The lemon-lime prayer plant is the classic green Maranta — bright veining on soft leaves that fold together at night like hands in prayer. It is pet-safe and trails nicely from a shelf, though like its relatives it wants humidity and soft water.
About Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
The lemon-lime prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is the classic green Maranta, its soft leaves marked with bright veining that folds together at night like hands in prayer. It comes from the Brazilian tropics. For a renter it suits a 3-litre pot in medium light and trails gently from a shelf, and like its prayer-plant relatives it is safe around pets.
It wants medium, indirect light, since harsh sun fades and scorches the markings. Keep humidity up and use filtered or rainwater, because it browns at the edges in dry air or from hard tap water. The trailing stems can be pinned down to root and fill out the pot. It stays low and spreading, around 0.2 to 0.3 metres tall, with the nightly leaf movement that gives prayer plants their name.
What it’s like to grow
The lemon-lime prayer plant is rated moderate, fussy about air and water rather than difficult to keep alive. Brown, crispy leaf edges are the usual complaint, from dry air or hard water. Curling, lacklustre leaves mean it has gone too dry at the root. Keep it humid, watered with soft water, and out of direct sun and it stays lush. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, a pet-safe choice among trailing foliage.
What to expect
It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Lemon Lime Prayer Plant →
Tips
- Give it medium, indirect light; harsh sun fades the markings.
- Keep humidity up and use filtered water to avoid crispy edges.
- Trailing stems can be pinned to root and fill out the pot.
Common problems
- Brown, crispy leaf edges in dry air or from hard water.
- Curling, lacklustre leaves when too dry at the root.
Common questions
Is Lemon Lime Prayer Plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Lemon Lime Prayer Plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA (Maranta, non-toxic).
How much light does Lemon Lime Prayer Plant need?
Lemon Lime Prayer Plant does best in medium, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a little back from a bright one. Direct midday sun can scorch it.
How often should I water Lemon Lime Prayer Plant?
Water Lemon Lime Prayer Plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Lemon Lime Prayer Plant need?
Lemon Lime Prayer Plant is happiest around 18–27 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 13 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Does Lemon Lime Prayer Plant need high humidity?
Lemon Lime Prayer Plant prefers humid air. Group it with other plants, stand it on a pebble tray, or run a humidifier — dry indoor air tends to brown the leaf tips.
Can I grow Lemon Lime Prayer Plant without a sunny window?
Yes. Lemon Lime Prayer Plant does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Lemon Lime Prayer Plant get?
A low, spreading trailer ~0.2–0.3 m tall with leaves that fold up at night.
How do I propagate Lemon Lime Prayer Plant?
Divide the clump, or root stem cuttings at a node.
What pests affect Lemon Lime Prayer Plant?
Watch for spider mites and fungus gnats. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Lemon Lime Prayer Plant easy to grow?
Lemon Lime Prayer Plant is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: Shuvaev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY). Care info last updated 2026-06-08.