foliage
DecorativeRed Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA).
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 red prayer plant is a pet-safe trailing foliage plant with striking red-veined leaves that fold up at night like praying hands. It is a little fussy about humidity and water quality.
About Red Prayer Plant
The red prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura) is native to the Brazilian rainforest, and its red-veined leaves fold upward at night like a pair of praying hands. It's a low, spreading plant of 20 to 30 cm that creeps as it grows, so a small pot and a spot with medium light suit it well. For a renter without a bright window, it earns its place by tolerating the indirect light most rooms already have.
It asks for a bit more attention than the average foliage plant. Keep the soil lightly moist and the air humid, since it dislikes drying out fully. Filtered, distilled or stood water cuts down on the leaf browning it's prone to. Direct sun bleaches the markings, so medium light is the target. The plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
What it’s like to grow
Maranta is on the fussy side, mostly about water and air. Crispy brown leaf edges are its main complaint, usually from dry air or the minerals in hard tap water; switch to filtered or stood water and raise the humidity. Leaves that look faded and washed out mean it's catching too much direct sun. It asks for a steady routine more than a green thumb, so anyone who waters on a schedule and can give it a humid corner will manage. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
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 Red Prayer Plant →
Tips
- Keep the soil lightly moist and give it humidity; it dislikes drying out fully.
- Medium, indirect light is ideal; direct sun fades and bleaches the leaves.
- Filtered, distilled, or stood water reduces leaf browning.
Common problems
- Crispy brown leaf edges from dry air or hard tap water.
- Faded, washed-out leaves in too much direct sun.
Common questions
Is Red Prayer Plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Red Prayer Plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Red Prayer Plant need?
Red 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 Red Prayer Plant?
Water Red Prayer Plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Red Prayer Plant need?
Red 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 Red Prayer Plant need high humidity?
Red 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 Red Prayer Plant without a sunny window?
Yes. Red Prayer Plant does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Red Prayer Plant get?
A low, spreading plant ~0.2–0.3 m tall whose stems trail and creep as it grows.
How do I propagate Red Prayer Plant?
Separate the rooted clumps at repotting, each with stems and roots, and pot them up.
What pests affect Red Prayer Plant?
Watch for spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Red Prayer Plant easy to grow?
Red Prayer Plant is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Red 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: David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.