No, the lemon lime prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime') is not toxic to cats or dogs. The ASPCA lists prayer plant as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. It needs bright, indirect light, evenly moist soil and filtered water to keep its neon stripes bright.
Is the lemon lime prayer plant safe for pets?
Yes. The ASPCA lists prayer plant (including Maranta) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with no toxic compounds. That makes it a great swap for toxic low-growing plants like pothos or Chinese evergreen.
Non-toxic doesn't mean edible. A pet that eats a lot of any plant may vomit once or have a soft stool from the fiber. The moving leaves can attract curious cats, so a shelf or plant stand helps keep the plant looking good. If your pet eats a plant you can't identify, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What makes it special
The lemon lime is a cultivar of the classic prayer plant, with bright chartreuse and lime stripes feathering out from the center of each leaf. Like all prayer plants, it moves: the leaves lift and fold together in the evening, like hands in prayer, and lower again in the morning. That daily movement is called nyctinasty, and it's completely normal.
Lemon lime prayer plant care
| Light | Bright, indirect. Handles medium light. Direct sun bleaches the stripes. |
| Water | Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy. Water when the top inch is dry. |
| Water type | Filtered, distilled or rain water. Tap water minerals cause brown tips. |
| Humidity | 50% or higher is ideal. Group plants or use a humidifier. |
| Temperature | 65–80°F. Keep away from cold drafts and heat vents. |
| Soil | Airy, well-draining mix with some peat or coco coir. |
| Feeding | Half-strength fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer. None in winter. |
| Size | Low and spreading, about 6 to 12 inches tall. |
Through the seasons
- Spring and summer: it grows actively. Water more often, feed monthly, and repot or divide if needed.
- Fall and winter: growth slows. Water less, stop feeding, and keep it away from cold windows and dry heater air.
How to propagate a lemon lime prayer plant
By division (easiest)
- In spring, slide the plant out of its pot.
- Gently pull the root ball apart into sections, each with roots and a few stems.
- Pot each section in fresh mix, water well, and keep it humid for a couple of weeks.
By stem cutting
- Cut a stem just below a node (the small joint where a leaf meets the stem).
- Root it in water or moist potting mix in bright, indirect light.
- Roots usually form in 2 to 4 weeks. Pot it once they're about an inch long.
Common problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Brown, crispy tips | Dry air or tap water minerals | Filtered water; raise humidity |
| Leaves curled during the day | Thirsty or dry air | Water when the top inch is dry; raise humidity |
| Faded, washed-out color | Too much direct sun | Move to bright, indirect light |
| Dull stripes, leggy stems | Too little light | Move closer to a window |
| Yellow leaves, soggy soil | Overwatering | Let the top inch dry; check drainage |
| Fine webbing under leaves | Spider mites (love dry air) | Rinse leaves; insecticidal soap; raise humidity |
Other pet-safe prayer plants
Love the lemon lime? These prayer plants have the same easy care and are also listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs:
- Classic prayer plant: dark green with a red herringbone pattern
- Red prayer plant: bold red veins
- Beauty Kim: splashed with cream variegation
Or browse all pet-safe calatheas and prayer plants.
FAQ
Is lemon lime prayer plant a calathea?
No, it's a Maranta. Calatheas and marantas are close cousins in the same plant family and are both listed as non-toxic to pets. Marantas tend to be a little easier to care for.
Why aren't my plant's leaves moving?
Movement is easiest to see at dusk and dawn. A plant that's stressed, freshly shipped or in very low light may move less. Give it a couple of weeks of steady, bright, indirect light.
Can the lemon lime prayer plant grow in low light?
It tolerates medium to lower light, but the neon color is brightest in bright, indirect light. See more low light plants for pet owners.
Bring home a lemon lime prayer plant
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Free shipping and a 30-day plant health guarantee.
Shop lemon lime prayer plantWritten and reviewed by Nikki, founder of Root & Reach Botanicals. Last updated September 2026. Pet safety source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Prayer Plant. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.