Photo: Thomaz Ricardo Favreto SinaniCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Red-veined Prayer Plant Plant Care
Belloa erythractis (Wedd.) Cabrera
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Belloa erythractis is known for its striking red veins that contrast beautifully against the green leaves. Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique foliage pattern that moves throughout the day, giving it the nickname "prayer plant."
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Red-veined Prayer Plant?
Water Red-veined Prayer Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Red-veined Prayer Plant?
Red-veined Prayer Plant (Belloa erythractis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Belloa genus. Red-veined Prayer Plant is native to South America. Red-veined Prayer Plant is also known as Calathea erythractis.
Red-veined Prayer Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red-veined Prayer Plant produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
How Often Should You Water a Red-veined Prayer Plant?
Belloa erythractis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Red-veined Prayer Plant Need?
Red-veined Prayer Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red-veined Prayer Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red-veined Prayer Plant Prefer?
Belloa erythractis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Red-veined Prayer Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red-veined Prayer Plant?
Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Red-veined Prayer Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red-veined Prayer Plant?
Feed Red-veined Prayer Plant every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Red-veined Prayer Plant?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Red-veined Prayer Plant?
Red-veined Prayer Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chilean bellflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red-veined Prayer Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red-veined Prayer Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red-veined Prayer Plant?
Red-veined Prayer Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Red-veined Prayer Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Belloa genus — compare its care with other Belloa species on PlantoScan.
Belloa is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Red-veined Prayer Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Belloa erythractis (Wedd.) Cabrera, family Asteraceae (first published in Rev. Invest. Agric., Buenos Aires 11: 404. 1958 , in adnot.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red-veined Prayer Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Thomaz Ricardo Favreto Sinani, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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