Marantaceae
Maranta leuconeura
Bring living pattern and movement into your space with the Red Vein Prayer Plant. Its graphic leaves and rich burgundy undersides elevate any desk, shelf, or hanging corner—while staying pet-friendly. Give it gentle light, steady moisture, and a touch of humidity, and it will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage that looks styled all year round.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Red Vein Prayer Plant
Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0053
Alternative Names:
Prayer Plant
Red Vein Maranta
مارنتا
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Maranta
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly Brazil and Panama. It grows on the forest floor in shaded, humid conditions. Widely cultivated as a houseplant worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Distinctive oval leaves featuring a light green to silvery background with prominent red veins; undersides are deep burgundy. Leaves fold upward at night (nyctinasty), giving the “prayer” appearance. Low-growing, clumping habit.
5. Size & Dimensions
Typical Height: 15–30 cm (6–12 in)
Typical Spread: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Leaf Length: up to 12 cm (5 in)
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves. Tolerates lower light but growth may slow and leaf coloration may fade.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry. Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water. Reduce watering slightly in winter.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well‐draining, peat‐based potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark for aeration. Ideal pH: slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Preferred Temperature: 18–27 °C (65–80 °F)
Minimum Temperature: 15 °C (59 °F)
Humidity: High (60–70% or above). Benefits from regular misting or placement on a humidity tray.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced, water‐soluble houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 4–6 weeks during the spring and summer growing seasons. Do not fertilize in winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate care. Remove yellow or brown leaves promptly. Wipe foliage occasionally to remove dust. Monitor humidity; protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
12. Growth & Propagation
Grows via underground rhizomes that form clumps. Propagate by division during repotting in spring. Each division should have at least two shoots and a portion of rhizome with roots.
13. Common Problems
Leaf Browning or Crispy Edges: low humidity or underwatering.
Yellowing Leaves: overwatering or poor drainage.
Root Rot: waterlogged soil.
Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental accent plant valued for striking foliage and nyctinastic movement. Enhances indoor air quality by removing formaldehyde and other VOCs. Pet-friendly choice for homes and offices.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans according to ASPCA. Safe for households with pets and children.
Maranta leuconeura
Bring living pattern and movement into your space with the Red Vein Prayer Plant. Its graphic leaves and rich burgundy undersides elevate any desk, shelf, or hanging corner—while staying pet-friendly. Give it gentle light, steady moisture, and a touch of humidity, and it will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage that looks styled all year round.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Red Vein Prayer Plant
Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0053
Alternative Names:
Prayer Plant
Red Vein Maranta
مارنتا
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Maranta
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly Brazil and Panama. It grows on the forest floor in shaded, humid conditions. Widely cultivated as a houseplant worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Distinctive oval leaves featuring a light green to silvery background with prominent red veins; undersides are deep burgundy. Leaves fold upward at night (nyctinasty), giving the “prayer” appearance. Low-growing, clumping habit.
5. Size & Dimensions
Typical Height: 15–30 cm (6–12 in)
Typical Spread: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Leaf Length: up to 12 cm (5 in)
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves. Tolerates lower light but growth may slow and leaf coloration may fade.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry. Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water. Reduce watering slightly in winter.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well‐draining, peat‐based potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark for aeration. Ideal pH: slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Preferred Temperature: 18–27 °C (65–80 °F)
Minimum Temperature: 15 °C (59 °F)
Humidity: High (60–70% or above). Benefits from regular misting or placement on a humidity tray.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced, water‐soluble houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 4–6 weeks during the spring and summer growing seasons. Do not fertilize in winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate care. Remove yellow or brown leaves promptly. Wipe foliage occasionally to remove dust. Monitor humidity; protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
12. Growth & Propagation
Grows via underground rhizomes that form clumps. Propagate by division during repotting in spring. Each division should have at least two shoots and a portion of rhizome with roots.
13. Common Problems
Leaf Browning or Crispy Edges: low humidity or underwatering.
Yellowing Leaves: overwatering or poor drainage.
Root Rot: waterlogged soil.
Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental accent plant valued for striking foliage and nyctinastic movement. Enhances indoor air quality by removing formaldehyde and other VOCs. Pet-friendly choice for homes and offices.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans according to ASPCA. Safe for households with pets and children.