Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura
red prayer plant
Overview
Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura is the red prayer plant, the original and widely recognizable prayer plant, growing 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Dark green oval leaves with a light green central chevron pattern and vivid red herringbone veining radiating from the midrib give the cultivar its identifying pattern; the 'herringbone plant' name describes the fishbone-like vein arrangement. The 'erythroneura' means 'red-nerved'. The leaves fold upward at night in a pronounced prayer motion (nyctinasty); this taxon is the original prayer plant from which the common name derives. The night movement is more visible than in most other Marantaceae. Non-toxic. Brazilian forest floor origin gives shade tolerance. Same humidity and filtered-water requirements as all Marantaceae. Compact trailing habit. Widely available in commercial houseplant trade as a recognizable member of the prayer-plant family.
Native Range
Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura is native to Brazil.Suggested Uses
Used in hanging baskets, shelves, and as a recognizable prayer plant. Non-toxic. The red herringbone veining. A pronounced nightly prayer fold. Widely recognized in the commercial Marantaceae trade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Occasional small white flowers indoors. The red-veined herringbone foliage and the nightly prayer fold are the displays.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale lavender; small (occasional indoors)Foliage Description
Dark green with light green central chevron pattern and vivid red herringbone veining radiating from the midribGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Sited in low to moderate indirect light. Soil is kept evenly moist. Humidity 50%+. Filtered water is used. Non-toxic. The original prayer plant. The nightly fold is pronounced.Pruning
Brown leaves are removed. Leggy stems are pruned for bushier growth.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons