Red prayer plant guide
Maranta leuconeura 'Erythroneura', also called herringbone plant, red-veined prayer plant, Maranta 'Fascinator'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Above average. Dry air browns the leaf edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Light, well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) tall, trailing or spreading 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings below a node, rooted in water
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes red prayer plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the prayer plant care guide.
What it is
Red prayer plant is the most common prayer plant. Its oval leaves have bright red veins in a fishbone pattern, a lime-green feathered stripe down the middle, and dark green edges. The undersides are purple-red. Like all prayer plants, the leaves fold up at night.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Red prayer plant | Red fishbone veins, lime center | Bright red veins |
| ‘Lemon Lime’ prayer plant | Lime veins on dark green | No red at all |
| Rabbit tracks prayer plant | Gray-green with dark blotches | Blotches, not veins |
Care differences
The red veins fade in low light and scorch in direct sun. Medium to bright indirect light keeps them bright.
Otherwise, care is the same as any prayer plant.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem just below a node. Root it in water. Roots show in two to three weeks. You can also divide the clump in spring.
Buying it
Red prayer plant is common at garden centers and big box stores, often in hanging baskets. Look for bright red veins and leaves with no brown, crispy edges. Brown edges are common in stores and point to dry air or tap water.