Troubleshooting
Red Prayer Plant problems — and how to fix them
Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown, crispy leaf tips and edges
Usually caused by low humidity or mineral/salt build-up from tap water. Raise humidity to 50-60% and switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater.
Curling or folding leaves during the day
Often a sign of underwatering or dry air; can also indicate too much direct sun. Keep soil evenly moist, boost humidity, and move out of harsh light.
Yellowing leaves
Typically from overwatering and soggy soil, but can also stem from underwatering or insufficient light. Check drainage and let the top 1-2 cm dry between waterings.
Spider mites
Fine webbing and stippled, discoloured undersides appear in dry conditions. Spider mites dislike humidity, so raising it helps; rinse foliage and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
Root rot
Caused by poorly drained soil or overwatering; roots turn brown and mushy. Use a draining pot and free-draining mix, and let excess water escape after each watering.
Faded, washed-out leaf colour
Too much direct sunlight bleaches the red veins and dark green tone. Move to bright but indirect light to restore vibrant colouring.
Prevent red prayer plant problems before they start
Most red prayer plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Red Prayer Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my red prayer plant brown, crispy leaf tips and edges?
Usually caused by low humidity or mineral/salt build-up from tap water. Raise humidity to 50-60% and switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater.
Why is my red prayer plant curling or folding leaves during the day?
Often a sign of underwatering or dry air; can also indicate too much direct sun. Keep soil evenly moist, boost humidity, and move out of harsh light.
Why is my red prayer plant yellowing leaves?
Typically from overwatering and soggy soil, but can also stem from underwatering or insufficient light. Check drainage and let the top 1-2 cm dry between waterings.
Why is my red prayer plant spider mites?
Fine webbing and stippled, discoloured undersides appear in dry conditions. Spider mites dislike humidity, so raising it helps; rinse foliage and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
Why is my red prayer plant root rot?
Caused by poorly drained soil or overwatering; roots turn brown and mushy. Use a draining pot and free-draining mix, and let excess water escape after each watering.
Why is my red prayer plant faded, washed-out leaf colour?
Too much direct sunlight bleaches the red veins and dark green tone. Move to bright but indirect light to restore vibrant colouring.