Red Prayer Plant

Size

A great option for plant parent newbies, the Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is as easy-going as it is beautiful. The tricolor leaves are the greatest point of interest, oblong in shape and deep green in color, dotted with chartreuse along the midrib, with herringbone-patterned crimson veins. The undersides of the velvety leaves are crimson as well, exposed and folded up at the end of the day like praying hands when light is at its dimmest. With consistently moist soil and plenty of bright, indirect light, the Red Prayer Plant adds color and movement to any space. Best Locations For Growing Red Prayer PlantPrayer Plants are popular plants for homes with pets and children because they are non-toxic. Place the Red Prayer Plant in a warm, bright spot to keep its color rich. Because they love humidity and moisture, kitchens and bathrooms are great options, with easy access to water and slightly more humid air. Tolerant to medium light, these low-growing, spreading plants can also provide a pop of color to a coffee table or bookshelf.Red Prayer Plant Sunlight RequirementsThe Red Prayer Plant will do best in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate being a bit farther from a bright window. Place the Red Prayer Plant in a north- or east-facing window for consistent, all-day light. This plant can be placed near a south- or west-facing window, but with leaves that burn easily in direct sunlight, provide it some protection from the afternoon sun. When in too bright of light, leaf color may fade. Red Prayer Plant CareIn the same family as Calatheas, Prayer Plants share a similar though slightly less pronounced need for high humidity. To increase the humidity directly around a plant, provide it with a pebble tray or humidifier, or mist the leaves regularly. Like most houseplants, the Red Prayer Plant can remain in the same pot for up to two years. When repotting is necessary, choose a pot with drainage holes that is only an inch or two larger than the previous and repot with well-draining soil. Watering Red Prayer PlantPrayer Plants have watering needs that are a bit higher than the average houseplant, requiring consistently moist but not soggy soil. Allow the surface of soil to dry slightly before watering, adding water until it comes out the bottom of the pot to ensure that the roots are getting evenly moist. Never allow the soil to dry out completely, as this will cause the leaves to become dry and crispy at the edges or drop entirely. If many lower leaves are turning yellow, this could be an indication that the plant is not receiving enough water. Check the soil moisture regularly as you may have to water up to a few times a week, depending on temperature, lighting, and humidity. Watering can be cut back slightly in the winter, though the plant may benefit from supplemental humidity. Feeding Red Prayer PlantThe Red Prayer Plant will benefit from regular fertilizing in the growing season, from spring to the end of summer. Dilute a liquid houseplant fertilizer into water once or twice a month, making sure to follow the instructions to avoid burning the roots and leaves. In the winter, fertilizing is not necessary as many plants slow their growth significantly.

Red Prayer Plant InformationLight Exposure: Bright Indirect LightCare Requirements: EasyWatering Requirements: Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.

Pet Friendly: YesKid Friendly: YesAir Purifier: ModerateHabit: ClumpingGrowth Rate: SlowMature Height: 10-12 inchesMature Spread: 15-18 inchesFlowering: YesFlower Color(s): PurpleFlower Shade/Description: Light LavenderFragrant: YesFoliage Type: