Prayer Plant

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a leafy tropical foliage plant about 50cm tall and wide, with bright green leaves spotted in dark green and feathered with purple pink. At night the leaves fold upright as if in prayer, showing their purple pink undersides. It suits shaded patios, tropical garden underplanting and indoor pots, and it is safe for cats and dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves that move. The foliage folds up at night and opens again in the morning, which makes it a talking point in any room.
• Patterned foliage. Bright green leaves are spotted with dark green and feathered with purple pink, so the plant is colourful without flowers.
• Pet friendly. Prayer plants are non toxic to cats and dogs, so they suit homes with pets.
• At home in shade. It prefers a shady spot with indirect light, where many colourful plants struggle.
• Indoors or out. Grow it in a pot inside, on a shaded patio, or as underplanting in a tropical garden.

Where it works best

Indoor pots. Choose a bright room out of direct sun, away from heaters and air conditioners, and group it with other plants that enjoy humidity.

Shaded patios and verandahs. A pot beneath a covered verandah gives the humid, filtered light it enjoys, in frost free climates.

Tropical garden underplanting. Plant 40cm apart beneath larger tropical plants, where the patterned leaves fill the shaded ground.

Growing Prayer Plant in Australia

Position and climate. A shady spot with indirect sunlight. Direct sun scorches the leaves. Outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens, where it enjoys the humid air. It is frost tender, so in cooler climates grow it indoors.

Soil. Use moisture retaining soil or a good quality potting mix. Do not let it dry out completely.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks and regularly once established. Mist the leaves if the air is dry. Apply a slow release fertiliser yearly, and a liquid feed every three months for vibrant, healthy foliage.

Pruning. Remove the old leaves for a quick tidy. Otherwise it needs no pruning.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Prayer Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical way to fill a planter or underplant a shady bed, while the potted plants arrive fuller for instant indoor impact. Keep it out of direct sun when it arrives.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse indoor plants
• Calathea, a close relative
• Calathea and prayer plant care guide
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Why do the leaves fold up at night?

It is the plant's natural daily rhythm. The leaves rise in the evening, showing the purple pink undersides, and open again in the morning.

Why are the leaf tips going brown?

Usually dry air, direct sun or irregular watering. Mist the plant, move it into indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Maranta is non toxic to cats and dogs, which is one reason it is such a popular houseplant.