Pink Prayer Plant Plant Care
Jaffrea erubescens (Baill.) H.C.Hopkins & Pillon
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's striking dark green leaves with bright red undersides make it a standout in any collection. Originating from Madagascar, Jaffrea erubescens is highly sought after by collectors for its unique foliage and stunning color contrast. A must-have for those looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pink Prayer Plant?
Plant Pink Prayer Plant in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Pink Prayer Plant Native To?
What Is the Pink Prayer Plant?
Pink Prayer Plant (Jaffrea erubescens) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Jaffrea genus. Pink Prayer Plant is native to New Caledonia. Pink Prayer Plant is also known as Jaffrea rosea, Maranta erubescens.
Pink Prayer Plant displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Pink Prayer Plant produces small clusters of fragrant white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pink Prayer Plant?
Water a young or newly planted Pink Prayer Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Pink Prayer Plant Need?
Pink Prayer Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pink 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 Pink Prayer Plant Prefer?
Jaffrea erubescens tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pink Prayer Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pink Prayer Plant?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Pink Prayer Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pink Prayer Plant?
Feed Pink Prayer Plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Pink Prayer Plant?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Pink Prayer Plant is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pink Prayer Plant?
Pink Prayer Plant can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Pink Prayer Plant?
Prune Pink Prayer Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Pink Prayer Plant in Winter?
Pink Prayer Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Pink Prayer Plant?
Pink Prayer Plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Pink Prayer Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pink 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 Pink Prayer Plant?
Pink Prayer Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pink Prayer Plant Need?
Pink Prayer Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Pink Prayer Plant is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Pink Prayer Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Pink 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 Jaffrea genus — compare its care with other Jaffrea species on PlantoScan.
Jaffrea is part of the Rhamnaceae plant family — browse all Rhamnaceae genera and species.
Pink 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: Jaffrea erubescens (Baill.) H.C.Hopkins & Pillon, family Rhamnaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 70(4)-42: 16 (2015)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pink 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
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