Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura)

Overview

The Prayer plant, scientifically known as Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura, is highly sought after by indoor gardeners for its magnificent, patterned foliage. Its large, oval leaves display a striking olive-green color accented by a prominent red midrib and parallel red veins forming a distinctive herringbone pattern. This tropical perennial earns its common name because its leaves fold upward at night, mimicking praying hands.

Native to the humid forests of Brazil, this low-growing, clump-forming plant is valued for its consistent visual interest rather than its modest white blooms. Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura offers a touch of the tropics in shaded borders outdoors in the warmest climates or as a star specimen indoors year-round.

Despite its exotic appearance, the Prayer plant is generally easy to manage, requiring consistent moisture and protection from direct sunlight. Its slow-to-moderate growth makes it an ideal subject for containers and hanging baskets where its spreading habit can be appreciated.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Marantaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Brazil
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 11-12
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to July
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

When planting the Prayer plant outdoors in suitable tropical regions (Zones 11-12), select a sheltered location utilizing moist, humusy, and well-drained soils beneath tree cover or partial shade. It prefers consistently warm temperatures, ideally staying above 60°F, and is highly intolerant of frost. For most gardeners growing Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura indoors, a high-quality, soil-based potting mix works best.

Watering is crucial for this moisture-loving tropical; keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, as poor drainage leads to root rot. During the active growing season, fertilize monthly. However, as autumn approaches and growth slows, significantly reduce both soil moisture and fertilizer applications until spring.

Indoor cultivation benefits greatly from increased humidity. Consider placing the pot in a tray filled with wet pebbles or using a humidifier near your Prayer plant. Propagation is straightforward, achieved easily through division or by taking stem cuttings, allowing you to expand your collection of this beautiful Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura. Avoid bright, direct sun indoors, as harsh light will quickly bleach out the attractive leaf coloration.

Landscape Uses

The primary appeal of the Prayer plant lies in its exceptional indoor foliage display, making it an excellent choice for pots, tabletop displays, or utilizing hanging baskets to showcase its cascading habit. In its native tropical environments or USDA zones 11-12, Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura excels as an attractive, evergreen ground cover for heavily shaded garden areas.

These plants thrive alongside other shade-tolerant tropicals that share similar humidity requirements, such as ferns, Calatheas, or small-leaved Philodendrons. Their low stature and clumping form make them perfect for creating dense, textured layers beneath taller shrubs or along shaded pathways, providing year-round color contrast against coarser textures.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Maranta leuconeura, commonly called prayer plant, is an evergreen, rhizomatous, low-growing, clump-forming, tropical perennial that is noted for its beautiful foliage. Typically growing 12-15” tall, it features broad-elliptic to oval, predominately green leaves up to 5” long, marked with striking patterns and white veins radiating from the midrib. Var. Erythoneura is specifically recognized by its herringbone design, featuring a showy red midrib with parallel red veins arching toward the margins, and reddish-purple leaf undersides. This variety’s prominent red veins give rise to the common name of herringbone plant.

Tolerances

• Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips.

Potential Problems

Root rot is a significant risk if Prayer plant is subjected to poorly drained soil conditions, emphasizing the need for excellent drainage in its planting medium. Gardeners should also monitor for cosmetic issues like leaf spot and tip browning, which often signify inconsistent watering or low ambient humidity. Cucumber mosaic virus has occasionally been reported on marantas, though pest and drainage issues are far more common threats to the health of your Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Prayer plant suitable for?

This plant is suitable for USDA Zones 11-12, thriving outdoors only in the absolute warmest, frost-free climates with adequate shelter.

How large does Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura grow?

It typically reaches a height and spread between 1 and 1.5 feet.

What sun exposure does Prayer plant need?

The Prayer plant prefers part shade; direct, strong sunlight should be avoided as it can bleach the attractive colors of the foliage.

When does Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura bloom?

It typically blooms from May to July, producing small, white flowers.

Conclusion

The Prayer plant offers unparalleled foliage dynamism, making Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura a staple for adding texture and pattern to shaded interiors or sheltered tropical gardens. Its low maintenance level, provided humidity and moisture needs are met, ensures it remains a rewarding addition. Before bringing this tropical beauty home, confirm that your environment consistently maintains temperatures above 60°F.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura is best achieved through division during active growth periods, typically when repotting in spring. Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each new section has several healthy stems and adequate roots attached before replanting into fresh, well-draining potting mix. Alternatively, stem cuttings can be rooted successfully, especially if placed in a warm, humid environment encouraging quick root development.

Companion Planting

When utilizing the Prayer plant in large containers or shady landscape corners, pair it with plants that share similar demands for rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils and indirect light. Excellent companions include various species of ferns, such as the Boston Fern, or other members of the Marantaceae family, like Calatheas, which offer complementary leaf shapes and colors. Avoid sharp textural contrasts or plants that require dry periods, as this will disrupt the necessary high-humidity microclimate the Prayer plant requires.