Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime' – Vivid foliage, natural movement, and easy indoor care


Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime' is a vibrant cultivar of the beloved prayer plant, known for its striking lime-green venation set against deep green leaves. A compact, rhizome-forming plant native to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, it brings bold color and rhythmic movement into indoor spaces without demanding care. Like all Marantas, its leaves fold gently at night in a phenomenon called nyctinasty, adding a touch of life to your shelf, desk, or hanging planter.
Its soft, graphic foliage and pet-friendly nature make it a top choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet visually exciting tropical understory plant.
Standout Traits of Maranta 'Lemon Lime'

  
Leaf pattern: Bright lime-green veins over dark green backgrounds with pale midrib zones
  
Leaf texture: Smooth and soft with gently arching growth
  
Size and form: Grows 30–40 cm tall, naturally compact and tuft-forming from rhizomes
  
Light needs: Thrives in indirect light — great for bright rooms without direct sun
  
Safe for pets: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans

Where Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime' Comes From
This cultivar descends from wild *Maranta leuconeura*, a species native to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil. In its natural habitat — humid, shaded forest floors in states like Pernambuco and Espírito Santo — it grows in rich, airy soil with consistent warmth and moisture. These conditions help explain its love for humidity, indirect light, and stable temperatures indoors.
‘Lemon Lime’ is selected for its vivid chartreuse veins and softer contrast compared to the more widely known 'Fascinator' or 'Tricolor'.
How to Care for Maranta 'Lemon Lime'

  
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can fade or scorch leaves.
  
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top 2–3 cm feels dry, and ensure good drainage.
  
Humidity: Enjoys humidity around 50–60%. Use a pebble tray or humidifier in drier homes.
  
Soil: Use an airy, moisture-retentive mix with perlite, coconut coir, and bark to support healthy root growth.
  
Fertilizer: Apply a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in active indoor growth.
  
Temperature: Best between 18–24°C. Protect from cold drafts and rapid changes.
  
Pruning: Trim yellow or damaged leaves to encourage fresh growth. Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free.

Common Problems and What to Do

  
Yellow leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage — check the soil before watering again.
  
Brown edges: Caused by low humidity — raise air moisture with misting, grouping, or a humidifier.
  
Drooping leaves: Usually from underwatering or temporary root stress — rehydrate and observe.
  
Pest issues: May attract spider mites or mealybugs — treat with insecticidal soap or wipe with diluted alcohol.

Helpful Tips to Keep It Thriving
For best results, mimic its tropical forest origin: soft light, warm temps, breathable soil, and consistent moisture. Rotate the pot occasionally to balance growth, and don’t worry about the leaves moving at night — it’s just the plant’s natural rhythm. As long as you avoid extremes in light or watering, this Maranta will remain lush and colorful all year round.
Botanical Background and Name Meaning
The genus Maranta was named after Bartolomeo Maranta, a 16th-century Italian physician and botanist who contributed to early plant classification and herbal medicine. The species name leuconeura means “white-veined” — a nod to the typical leaf markings of the species, though ‘Lemon Lime’ leans more toward chartreuse than white.
Quick Answers About Maranta 'Lemon Lime'

  
Does Maranta 'Lemon Lime' need direct sunlight?
No — it prefers filtered or indirect light. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
  
How often should I water it?
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry. Avoid letting it dry out completely or stay soggy.
  
Is this plant good in low humidity?
It can tolerate normal indoor air, but thrives with 50–60% humidity. Brown edges may appear if the air is too dry.
  
Is it pet-safe?
Yes — this prayer plant is a pet-friendly houseplant and safe for cats and dogs.

Bring Home the Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime' Today
Add a splash of lime-green energy to your indoor jungle. Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime' is compact, colorful, and full of life — perfect for bright rooms and beginner plant lovers alike. Order now and enjoy effortless tropical charm.