Maranta leuconeura ‘Erythroneura’ Red Stripe

Red stripe maranta (Maranta leuconeura 'Erythroneura') is the prayer plant with the best foliage of the group: deep velvety green leaves with pale central chevrons and bright crimson veins. It stays small, around 30cm tall and 40cm wide, spreading into a low mound. It is also one of the few showy indoor plants that is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage that does not need flowers. Red veining over dark velvet green carries a shelf or table all year.
• Pet friendly. Not toxic to cats or dogs, so it can sit at floor level in a home with animals.
• It moves. The leaves fold together at dusk and open in the morning, hence the name prayer plant.
• Small and slow. At 30cm by 40cm it suits a bookshelf, a desk or a bathroom windowsill.

Where it works best

Indoors, anywhere in Australia. Inside, the climate outdoors stops mattering, and this is where nearly every red stripe maranta lives.

Pots and small planters. A shallow 150mm to 200mm pot suits the spreading habit better than a deep one.

Sheltered balconies and courtyards. In tropical and subtropical gardens it can live outside year round in full shade, out of wind. Everywhere else, bring it in before winter.

Growing red stripe maranta in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light. Direct sun bleaches the pattern and crisps the edges, while deep gloom flattens the contrast. It is frost tender and only suits tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors, so in temperate and cool areas keep it inside.

Soil. A quality indoor mix lightened with perlite or coir. It likes moisture but not a waterlogged root zone, so drain freely and empty the saucer.

Water and feed. Water once the top centimetre dries, roughly weekly in summer and every ten to fourteen days in winter. Rainwater or filtered water beats hard tap water. Feed at half strength monthly in spring and summer.

Humidity and pruning. Dry indoor air is the main problem in southern winters and air conditioned rooms, so group it with other plants or use a pebble tray. Snip damaged leaves at the base, and divide the clump every two or three years.

What to expect when it arrives

Two sizes are grown: 125mm pots in packs of ten and 165mm pots in packs of six, both established plants rather than cuttings. The packs suit several rooms, a wide bowl planted with three or four together, or splitting an order.

Soft leaved tropicals are the most delicate thing we send. Expect some folding or a browned edge on arrival, and judge it by the centre of the crown, where new growth comes from. Unpack straight away and water lightly. New leaves usually unfurl within four to six weeks in the warmer months.

Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• The best pet friendly plants for the home
• Browse pet friendly indoor plants
• See the full indoor plant range

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

Yes. Maranta is not toxic to cats or dogs. It is still worth discouraging chewing, since any plant material can upset a stomach.

Why are the leaf edges turning brown and crisp?

Almost always dry air or mineral build up from tap water. Raise the humidity, switch to rainwater or filtered water, and flush the pot every few months.

How much light does it need?

Bright indirect light, a few metres back from a window or beside one with a sheer curtain. Direct sun washes out the red veining within weeks.