Prayer plant (herringbone plant) Maranta leuconeura
Prayer plant (herringbone plant) (Maranta leuconeura) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Marantaceae family, native to Atlantic forest of eastern Brazil. It grows 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants shade and high water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Prayer plant (herringbone plant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Mature height | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Atlantic forest of eastern Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is Prayer plant (herringbone plant) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Prayer plant (herringbone plant)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and high water.
Questions about Prayer plant (herringbone plant)
- How far apart should I plant Prayer plant (herringbone plant)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Prayer plant (herringbone plant) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Prayer plant (herringbone plant) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Prayer plant (herringbone plant)?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Prayer plant (herringbone plant) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Prayer plant (herringbone plant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Prayer plant (herringbone plant)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Prayer plant (herringbone plant). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Low, spreading plant whose oval leaves, patterned with red herringbone veins in ‘Erythroneura’, lie flat by day and fold upright at night, a movement called nyctinasty. Likes humidity and soft water.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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