Prayer Plant Varieties
A comparison of the most popular Prayer Plant varieties — learn which one is right for your space and skill level.
| Variety | Key Feature | Care Difficulty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maranta leuconeura erythroneura (Red Prayer Plant) | Bold red veins on dark green leaves with light-green herringbone center pattern and purple undersides | Easy | Varies |
| Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana (Rabbit Tracks) | Pale green leaves with paired dark green oval blotches running along the central vein like rabbit tracks | Easy | Varies |
| Maranta leuconeura Lemon Lime | Vibrant lime-green leaves with bright yellow-green vein pattern — the lightest-colored Maranta variety | Easy | Varies |
| Maranta leuconeura Marisela | Dark green elongated leaves with silvery-white herringbone center pattern — refined and elegant | Easy | Varies |
Variety Details
Maranta leuconeura erythroneura (Red Prayer Plant)
The most popular Prayer Plant variety, also called "Red Vein Prayer Plant" or "Herringbone Plant." It features striking dark green leaves with a feathered light-green or yellow-green herringbone pattern down the center and dramatic bright red veins radiating outward. The undersides of the leaves are a rich purple-red. This variety is widely available at nurseries and is the most common Maranta sold today, prized for its bold color contrast.
Distinguishing feature: Bold red veins on dark green leaves with light-green herringbone center pattern and purple undersides
Care notes: Most demanding humidity needs (65%+) — the rich red veining fades in dry conditions. Keep in medium indirect light to maintain vibrant coloration. Standard watering and care apply.
Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana (Rabbit Tracks)
The classic "Rabbit Tracks" Prayer Plant features pale green leaves with dark green oval blotches arranged in pairs along each side of the central vein, resembling small rabbit footprints. This variety has a softer, more subtle appearance compared to the Red Prayer Plant and is often considered the original "Prayer Plant" in older horticultural references. The leaves are slightly larger and more rounded than other varieties.
Distinguishing feature: Pale green leaves with paired dark green oval blotches running along the central vein like rabbit tracks
Care notes: Slightly more tolerant of lower humidity (50%+) than the Red variety. Keep in medium to low indirect light — direct sun fades the subtle pattern. Excellent choice for north-facing rooms.
Maranta leuconeura Lemon Lime
A modern cultivar featuring vibrant lime-green leaves with bright yellow-green veins radiating in a feathered pattern. The light, bright coloration glows in lower-light spaces and creates striking contrast against darker plants in a collection. Lemon Lime is slightly more compact than other Maranta varieties and stays more upright rather than trailing. The undersides are a soft pale green rather than the purple of erythroneura.
Distinguishing feature: Vibrant lime-green leaves with bright yellow-green vein pattern — the lightest-colored Maranta variety
Care notes: Slightly more sensitive to fertilizer burn than other varieties — feed at quarter strength. Keep in medium indirect light to maintain the bright lime coloration. More compact form makes it suitable for smaller pots.
Maranta leuconeura Marisela
A relatively new cultivar with elongated dark green leaves and a striking silvery-white herringbone pattern down the center, similar to a fish skeleton. Unlike the Red Prayer Plant, Marisela lacks the bright red veins, creating a more refined and modern appearance. The leaves have a subtle iridescent quality in the right light, and the silver pattern is highly photogenic. Marisela is gaining popularity among collectors for its elegant look.
Distinguishing feature: Dark green elongated leaves with silvery-white herringbone center pattern — refined and elegant
Care notes: Slightly more tolerant of average humidity (50%+) than other varieties. Best in medium indirect light to maintain the silver pattern contrast. Slightly slower growing — be patient with new leaf development.