Maranta Red Vein Prayer Plant Care Guide

Tropical houseplants add a lush and exotic feel to any home. Red-veined prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura “Erythroneura”) also contains another elegant attribute, their moving leaves! Caring for your red prayer-plants requires very particular cultural and atmospheric conditions for optimal health.

Your red prayer plant seems a fussy tiny specimen that won’t shrink from telling you all its needs. Please continue reading for your plant care and top tips on solving their problems.

About Your Maranta Red-Veined Prayer Plant

A tropical plant belonging to Brazil, Maranta red prayer plant is a well-known and gorgeous houseplant. Its scientific name is called Maranta, and its variety is ‘Erythroneura,’ meaning red veins in Latin. The red veins come in a herringbone fashion, giving this plant another name the herringbone plant.

It creates a complete ground cover in warm areas, while in colder areas, it works best as a hanging indoor houseplant. Its stunning foliage is broadly oval and contains about 5-inch (12.5 cm.) long beautifully olive-green leaves featuring vivid red midribs veining in the herringbone design. The center of its leaf is somewhat lighter green, and its undersides are also lighter green.

The best quality of this plant is the ability to “pray.”  It is called a nastic movement and is your plant’s natural response to sunlight. Its leaves are flat during the day, but they move upward as if they pray during the night. It also enables your prayer plant to conserve some moisture at night.

Maranta Red Vein Prayer Plant Care

Maranta plant is tropical and thrives in understory regions of the rainforest. They require moist soil and dappled sunlight to shade. They grow fine in temperatures ranging from 70°F-80°F (21-27°C). In cold temperatures, your plant will say no to praying, its colors won’t be vibrant, and some of its leaves may even turn brown, wither, or fall off. Fertilise your plant by using diluted indoor plant food during spring.

Very bright sunlight can also affect the colors of its foliage. A north-facing window or the middle of any semi-bright space will offer enough sunlight without lowering its leaf color. The plant’s water requirements are particular. Its soil should be consistently moist but never too damp. A moisture meter is a crucial part of your red prayer houseplant care. 

💡 Tip: Use a soil moisture meter to prevent overwatering and underwatering your plant.

Red Prayer Plant Problems as An Indoor Houseplant

Maranta red prayer plant has few pest or disease problems. Occasionally, fungal issues will arise on its leaves. To prevent this issue, directly water under its leaves onto the soil. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid fungus gnats and root rot. A better soil mixture consists of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand. Outside, common plant pests include mealybugs and mites. You can use any horticultural oil spray to combat. Red prayer plant loves to stay pot-bound and must be in a shallow container due to the small roots system. If its leaves turn yellow at the tips, the reason could be the excess salts. Put your plant under the shower and flush its soil with water, and soon you’ll see healthy new leaves.