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 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 →Brown Tips
MediumLikely cause: Low humidity or fluoride in tap water
Quick fix: Increase humidity to 55%+; use filtered water
Full fix guide →Aphids
MediumLikely 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.
Full fix guide →Bud Drop
LowLikely 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.
Full fix guide →Caterpillars
MediumLikely 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.
Full fix guide →Crispy Leaves
MediumLikely 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.
Full fix guide →Curling Leaves
MediumLikely 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 →Distorted Leaves
MediumLikely 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.
Full fix guide →Dry Hydrophobic Soil
MediumLikely 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 →Exposed Roots
MediumLikely 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 →Fertilizer Burn
MediumLikely 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 →Draft Stress
MediumLikely 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 →Iron Deficiency
MediumLikely 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 →Leaf Miners
MediumLikely 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 →Flowers Turning Brown
MediumLikely 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 →Holes in Leaves
MediumLikely 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 →Leaf Spot Disease
MediumLikely 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
MediumLikely 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 →Low Humidity
LowLikely 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 →Magnesium Deficiency
MediumLikely 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 →Not Enough Light
MediumLikely 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 →Overwatering
HighLikely 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 →Plant Leaning
MediumLikely 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 →Root Rot
MediumLikely cause: Persistently soggy soil
Quick fix: Ensure drainage; reduce watering frequency
Full fix guide →Rust Disease
MediumLikely 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 →Slow Growth
LowLikely cause: Insufficient light or low temperatures
Quick fix: Move to brighter spot; ensure 18 °C+ consistently
Full fix guide →Repotting Stress
MediumLikely 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 →Seedlings Falling Over
MediumLikely 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 →Spider Mites
MediumLikely 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 →Seeds Not Germinating
MediumLikely 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.
Full fix guide →Thin Stems
MediumLikely 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 →Transparent Leaves
MediumLikely 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.
Full fix guide →Transplant Shock
MediumLikely 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 →Weak Stems
MediumLikely 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 →White Spots
MediumLikely 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 →Wrong Soil Mix
MediumLikely 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
MediumLikely 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 →Wind Damage
MediumLikely 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 →Yellow Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Overwatering or cold temperatures
Quick fix: Allow top 2 cm to dry; keep above 18 °C
Full fix guide →Thrips
MediumLikely 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 →