Red Prayer Plant Care Sheet

Maranta leuconeura ‘Red’

Overview

The Red Prayer Plant is a tropical houseplant known for its striking red veining, deep green leaves, and nightly leaf folding. It is a low maintenance, pet safe plant that thrives in warm, humid indoor environments. Perfect for beginners who want bold color and movement.

Light

Prefers bright, indirect light.
Tolerates medium to low light, though colors may soften.
Avoid direct sun which can fade or scorch the leaves.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry.
Use filtered or distilled water if possible, since Marantas can be sensitive to minerals.

Signs of underwatering: curling leaves, crispy edges. Signs of overwatering: yellowing leaves, limp stems, soil staying wet too long.

Humidity

Enjoys high humidity.
Benefits from a humidifier.
Dry air can cause brown tips.

Temperature

Ideal range: 65 to 80 F.
Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Avoid temperatures below 60 F.

Soil

Use a light, well draining mix.
A blend of indoor potting soil, perlite, and a bit of coco coir works well.
Avoid dense mixes that stay wet.

Fertilizer

Feed lightly during spring and summer.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4 to 6 weeks.
Do not fertilize in winter.

Growth Habit

Compact, bushy growth.
Mature height: 6 to 12 inches.
Known for its nightly leaf folding.
Pet safe.

Repotting

Repot every 1 to 2 years or when roots fill the pot.
Choose a pot 1 inch larger.
Refresh soil annually for best growth.

Pruning

Remove yellow or damaged leaves with clean scissors.
Trim leggy stems to encourage fuller growth.
Cuttings can root in water or soil.

Common Issues

Brown tips: low humidity or hard water.
Curling leaves: underwatering or too much light.
Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage.
Pests: watch for spider mites and mealybugs. Increase humidity and treat promptly.