Maranta 'Leuconeura'

Maranta 'Leuconeura' — The Original Prayer Plant

The Maranta leuconeura is the prayer plant that started it all. With its beautifully patterned oval leaves — rich green with a symmetrical herringbone design and contrasting veins — it’s a classic that never goes out of style. By day the leaves lie flat and open, soaking in the light. By night they fold upward in their signature prayer-like pose, then unfurl again each morning. It’s a quiet, daily ritual that makes this plant endlessly fascinating to live with.

Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Maranta leuconeura is an evergreen perennial that thrives in warm, humid conditions — and rewards attentive care with lush, vibrant growth.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura
• Common Names: Prayer Plant, Ten Commandments
• Leaf Style: Oval, deep green with a symmetrical line pattern and contrasting veins
• Growth Habit: Low-spreading, trailing; ideal for shelves, tabletops, or hanging baskets
• Mature Size: 6–12 inches tall, spreading up to 18 inches wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Care Guide

• Light: Bright to medium indirect light; tolerates lower light better than most tropicals
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top inch feels dry — filtered or room-temperature water is ideal
• Humidity: Loves high humidity — mist regularly, use a humidifier, or place on a pebble tray
• Temperature: Prefers 65–80°F; keep away from cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F
• Soil: Well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix
• Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks during spring and summer with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer

✅ Pet-Friendly: Maranta leuconeura is non-toxic to cats and dogs — a safe, beautiful choice for pet-friendly homes!