Problems

Maranta Leuconeura Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes

Quick answer

Maranta Leuconeura is prone to 40 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.

Maranta Leuconeura houseplant

Maranta Leuconeura problems

Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on Maranta Leuconeura. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.

Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.

Common problems on Maranta Leuconeura

Likely cause: Jul 24, 2023 · Ants are one of the most common pests that can infest indoor plants , including the vibrant and beautiful Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura ). Not only can ants be a nuisance, but they can also cause damage to the plant by

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Low humidity or fluoride in tap water

Quick fix: Increase humidity to 55%+; use filtered water

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Aphids

Medium

Likely cause: Jul 9, 2023 · Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from plants, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly infest a Red Maranta plant if not treated promptly.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

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Likely cause: Flowers drop off if not pollinated, and stalk dies if it contains no pollinated flowers. Numerous cultivars have been produced.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

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Likely cause: Jul 10, 2023 · Caterpillars can be a common pest that affects various types of plants, including the Maranta Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura ). These small, voracious eaters can quickly cause damage to your plants if left unchecked.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

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Likely cause: Have you ever walked up to your beautiful Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura ), eagerly waiting to see its leaves perform their stunning nightly folding dance, only to notice dry, crispy brown edges?

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

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Likely cause: Aug 15, 2025 · To counteract water loss, leaves curl , reducing their surface area to conserve moisture. This helps the plant adapt, but prolonged dry air can result in crispy leaf margins. Marantas prefer bright, indirect light and are sen

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Aug 15, 2025 · Uncover the causes behind your Maranta’ s curling leaves . Get practical solutions to diagnose and fix common prayer plant care issues for thriving growth.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

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Likely cause: Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, drooping, yellowing and loss of the plant. Decrease watering in fall and winter since growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Dec 4, 2025 · Proper drainage is paramount because the fine root structure of the Maranta is highly susceptible to fungal diseases. Healthy roots should appear firm and light-colored.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Aug 4, 2023 · Fertilizers can cause leaf burns if left on the leaves for an extended period. If any fertilizer accidentally gets on the leaves, gently wipe it off with a damp cloth. For optimal growth, Red Maranta should be fertilized every

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Mar 3, 2024 · Avoid exposing to cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, as this can cause stress and damage to the plant. They thrive in high humidity environments, mimicking their native tropical habitat.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Jul 17, 2023 · A nutrient deficiency can also manifest as yellow leaves in a red Maranta plant. The most common nutrient deficiencies that lead to yellowing leaves are nitrogen, iron , and magnesium deficiencies.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Nov 18, 2020 · Prune your prayer plant by cutting just above leaf nodes using a pair of sterilized garden scissors. Pruning two or three times a year (best times are in fall and spring) helps to encourage bushy growth.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Maranta Plants prosper in a humidity of 60-80%. Too low humidity will result in brown leaf tips and edges. To increase humidity, group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Do not mist the leav

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Maranta are native to tropical Central and South America and the West Indies. Maranta are named for Bartolomeo Maranta , an Italian physician and botanist of the 16thcentury. See full list on homeplantsguide.com Maranta are low-growing plan

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Jul 1, 2023 · To combat leaf spot in your Maranta Prayer Plant, remove and destroy any infected leaves immediately. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage promotes disease development.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Mealybugs

Medium

Likely cause: Jul 10, 2023 · The Prayer Plant, scientifically known as Maranta leuconeura , is a popular houseplant for its beautiful foliage and easy care requirements. However, like any other plant, it can fall victim to various pests, including mealyb

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Maranta Plants prosper in a humidity of 60-80% . Too low humidity will result in brown leaf tips and edges. To increase humidity, group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Do not mist the lea

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Jul 9, 2023 · A nutrient deficiency can also cause yellowing leaves in Maranta Prayer Plants. Specifically, a lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, iron, or magnesium can lead to chlorosis, a condition where the leaves lose their green

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Jan 6, 2026 · Learn how to care for your Maranta leuconeura with our guide on light requirements, watering, humidity, and more. Perfect for indoor plant enthusiasts.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Prayer plants are attractive houseplants that do not like overwatering . Learn the signs of an overwatered prayer plant and how to save it.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Maranta leuconeura , widely known as the prayer plant due to its daily sunlight-dependent movements (which are said to resemble hands "in-prayer"), is a species of flowering plant in the family Marantaceae native to the Brazilian tropical f

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Jul 17, 2023 · Root rot is a serious disease that affects the roots of plants, including the Maranta Red plant. It is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil, which creates an environment conducive to fungal growth.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Insufficient light or low temperatures

Quick fix: Move to brighter spot; ensure 18 °C+ consistently

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Likely cause: Nov 16, 2025 · The most favorable time to repot a Maranta leuconeura is during the late winter or early spring , just before its active growing season begins. Repotting during this period allows the plant to quickly recover from the stress

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Jul 14, 2023 · If your Maranta Prayer Plant is falling over , it’s essential to identify the underlying cause to restore its health and vigor. Evaluate your plant’s lighting conditions, watering routine, humidity levels, nutrient supply, an

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Jul 6, 2023 · Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to indoor plants, including the popular rattlesnake prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura). These pests are not actual spiders but rather members of the arachnid family.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Sep 22, 2025 · The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura ) is a low-growing tropical plant native to South America. Learn how to grow this unique and popular houseplant. View all Sep 4, 2022 · Place the seeds on the surface of the soil, spacing

Quick fix: Follow extension or botanical guidance for Maranta Leuconeura seeds not germinating; adjust care before applying broad treatments.

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Likely cause: Jul 3, 2023 · The stems of Maranta Red plants are relatively short and grow close to the ground. They are typically thin and covered with small, scale-like leaves called cataphylls. These cataphylls protect the delicate growing points of th

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Download the Maranta Leuconeura leaves , vibrant green foliage, ornamental plant, cut out transparent 58988848 royalty free PNG from Vecteezy for your project and explore over a million other illustrations, icons and clipart graphics!

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

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Likely cause: Nov 19, 2025 · During transplant shock , the Maranta leuconeura is busy tending its roots and faces greater exposure to environmental issues, pests, and diseases. Signs of transplant shock include yellow, wilting, or curled-up leaves.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Present a bright, indirect location, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially in the summer. A setting that's either too bright or dark will cause the variegations (foliar patterns) to weaken . Maintain evenly moist soil, allowing

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Jul 1, 2023 · These small, white insects form cotton-like clusters on the plant’s stems and undersides of leaves. They suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and a sticky residue known as honeydew.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Your maranta has soil requirements? Don't panic - Maranta leuconeura has fine, shallow root systems adapted for rapid water uptake in…. Here's exactly how to fix it.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Wilting

Medium

Likely cause: Jul 1, 2023 · Symptoms of root rot include yellowing or wilting leaves, stunted growth, and a foul odor coming from the soil. To treat root rot in your Maranta Prayer Plant, first assess the extent of the damage.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: The plant’s leaves will begin to suffer damage if the ambient temperature drops below 55° degrees Fahrenheit or goes above 80° degrees Fahrenheit. Good air circulation is beneficial, but Maranta leuconeura must stay away from drafts.

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Thrips

Medium

Likely cause: Jan 8, 2026 · Maranta leuconeura-the prayer plant-is uniquely vulnerable to Thrips palmi and Frankliniella occidentalis. Unlike spider mites or scale, thrips feed by rasping epidermal cells and injecting saliva, triggering irreversible cell

Quick fix: Confirm diagnosis on your Maranta Leuconeura, then address the most likely care or pest factor described in current extension guidance.

Full fix guide →

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Maranta Leuconeura?

Every 5–7 days - keep soil consistently moist at 2 cm depth. Use filtered or overnight tap water to avoid fluoride brown tips. Do not allow to dry out.

What light does Maranta Leuconeura need?

Maranta Leuconeura grows best in medium indirect light, low indirect light.

Is Maranta Leuconeura safe for cats and dogs?

Maranta Leuconeura is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Always monitor pets around new plants and contact your vet if unusual symptoms appear.

How do I propagate Maranta Leuconeura?

Propagate Maranta Leuconeura from healthy stem or root divisions during active growth.

What soil is best for Maranta Leuconeura?

Use 60 % potting compost + 20 % perlite + 20 % coco coir. Moisture-retaining and well-draining. pH 5.5–7.0.

What humidity does Maranta Leuconeura need?

Maranta Leuconeura prefers high humidity (60%+); more tolerant than Calathea but still prefers humid conditions. Normal household humidity is usually fine.

When should I repot Maranta Leuconeura?

Repot Maranta Leuconeura when roots circle the pot or growth slows despite good care.

How this Maranta Leuconeura problems guide is reviewed?

Editorial policyReview board

Written by · Reviewed by LeafyPixels Review Board · Updated June 29, 2026

This Maranta Leuconeura problems problem guide was researched and written by . Problems symptoms on Maranta Leuconeura, lookalike causes, and step-by-step fixes are cross-checked against extension pest, disease, and care references before publication.

We prioritize sources that hold up under scrutiny:

  • University cooperative extension bulletins and fact sheets (Penn State, Clemson, UMD, NC State, and similar programs)
  • Botanical garden and horticultural society publications
  • Peer-reviewed plant science and veterinary toxicology references where pet safety matters (including ASPCA Animal Poison Control)
  • Established reference works on indoor plant culture

The LeafyPixels editorial team then reviews the draft for clarity, step-by-step usefulness, and fit with real apartment and home conditions-not ideal greenhouse setups. When guidance changes materially, we update the page and note the revision date.


Sources used

  1. 12–15 inches tall and as wide (n.d.) PlantFinderDetails. [Online]. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292048 (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  2. adult females puncturing tissue (n.d.) Vegetable Leafminers. [Online]. Available at: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/vegetable-leafminers/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  3. American serpentine leafminer (*L. trifolii*) (n.d.) American Serpentine Leafminer. [Online]. Available at: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/american-serpentine-leafminer (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  4. aphids, mealybugs, and soft scale excrete (n.d.) Insects Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/product-and-houseplant-pests/insects-indoor-plants (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  5. Arizona Extension notes (2024) Az1635 2014. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2024-08/az1635-2014.pdf (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  6. Btk targets caterpillar digestive systems and is not activated in mammal stomachs (n.d.) HQA Btk Aug2016 Final. [Online]. Available at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/factsheets/oehha/HQA_Btk_Aug2016_Final.pdf (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  7. Clemson Extension advises against for houseplants generally (n.d.) Indoor Plants Transplanting Repotting. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/indoor-plants-transplanting-repotting/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  8. Clemson HGIC (n.d.) Field Ants. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/field-ants/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  9. Clemson HGIC (n.d.) Common Houseplant Insects Related Pests. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/common-houseplant-insects-related-pests/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  10. Clemson HGIC (n.d.) Less Toxic Insecticides. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/less-toxic-insecticides/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).