Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Are Prayer Plants Toxic to Dogs?
Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) are not toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists prayer plants as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, making them one of the safest and most attractive houseplant options for pet owners. If your dog decides to sample a prayer plant leaf, you do not need to worry about poisoning.
Prayer plants get their common name from their fascinating habit of folding their leaves upward at night, resembling hands pressed together in prayer. During the day, the leaves lie flat to capture maximum light. This movement, combined with their striking patterned foliage, makes them popular additions to living rooms and offices.
While the plant itself is harmless, a dog who regularly chews on houseplants may experience minor digestive upset from the plant fiber. Understanding why dogs chew on plants and how to redirect the behavior will help you protect both your pet and your prized Maranta collection.
What Makes Prayer Plants Safe
Prayer plants belong to the Marantaceae family, which is broadly recognized as non-toxic to domestic animals. Unlike plants in the Araceae family (pothos, philodendron, dieffenbachia), prayer plants do not contain calcium oxalate crystals. They also lack the cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, and other toxic compounds found in many common houseplants.
The leaves, stems, and roots of the prayer plant are all free from known toxins that would harm a dog. The sap is mild and does not cause the skin irritation or oral burning associated with toxic plant families. This consistent safety profile across all plant parts is what earns Maranta its designation as a pet-friendly houseplant.
It is important to distinguish prayer plants from their close relatives in the Calathea and Stromanthe genera, which are also members of the Marantaceae family. The good news is that calatheas and stromanthes are also non-toxic to dogs and cats. If your nursery labels calatheas as Goeppertia (their recently updated genus name), these are safe as well.
What to Expect If Your Dog Eats Prayer Plant
Even though prayer plants are non-toxic, they are not food. A dog who eats prayer plant leaves may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms simply because their digestive system is not designed to process significant amounts of plant matter. Possible reactions include:
- A brief episode of vomiting as the stomach expels the plant material
- Mild drooling or lip-licking
- Soft stools for a day or so
- Temporary decrease in appetite
These symptoms are self-limiting and typically resolve within a few hours to a day without intervention. Offer your dog fresh water and their regular food, and monitor them casually. There is no need for emergency measures or a vet visit for a simple nibble on a prayer plant.
If your dog consumed a large quantity of leaves, watch for more persistent digestive upset. Large amounts of plant fiber can cause a temporary intestinal blockage in rare cases, particularly in small dogs. If your dog stops eating, appears uncomfortable, or shows signs of constipation, contact your veterinarian.
Why Dogs Chew on Prayer Plants
Prayer plants have a few qualities that make them particularly tempting to curious dogs. Their leaves move throughout the day, which can attract attention from dogs who are drawn to motion. The broad, flat leaves are also easy for a dog to grab and tear.
Other common reasons dogs target houseplants include:
Puppy teething: Young dogs between three and six months old chew on everything as their adult teeth come in. Providing appropriate chew toys and frozen teething aids redirects this natural impulse away from your plants.
Boredom or anxiety: Dogs left alone for long periods may chew on plants as a way to self-soothe or pass the time. If plant chewing coincides with your absences, your dog may benefit from more exercise, puzzle toys, or a dog walker. For dogs with anxiety, our guide on dog separation anxiety offers targeted strategies.
Nutritional seeking: Some dogs eat grass and plants instinctively, possibly to supplement their diet with fiber or to settle an upset stomach. If your dog frequently seeks out plant material, discuss their diet with your vet to ensure it meets all their nutritional needs.
Protecting Your Prayer Plant From Your Dog
Prayer plants are relatively delicate, and a single chewing session can cause significant damage. These strategies will keep your Maranta thriving alongside your pet:
- Elevate the plant. Place prayer plants on high shelves, plant stands, or wall-mounted planters. Since prayer plants prefer indirect light and do not need to be near windows, you have flexibility in placement.
- Use hanging planters. A macrame hanger or ceiling-mounted planter keeps the foliage well above your dog’s reach while showcasing the plant’s trailing growth habit.
- Create a plant zone. Designate a room or area as your plant space and use baby gates or closed doors to keep your dog out.
- Apply bitter deterrent spray. Pet-safe bitter sprays on the leaves create an unpleasant taste that discourages repeat offenders. Reapply after watering or misting.
- Reinforce “leave it” training. A reliable “leave it” command is your best long-term defense against plant chewing and many other unwanted behaviors.
Prayer plants also appreciate humidity, so placing them in a bathroom or kitchen where your dog may not spend as much time can serve double duty as both plant care and pet protection.
Other Dog-Safe Plants in the Marantaceae Family
If you love the look of prayer plants, you will be happy to know that their close relatives are equally safe for dogs. Building a collection from the Marantaceae family gives you stunning variety with zero toxicity risk:
- Calathea orbifolia: Large, round leaves with silver-green striping. One of the most dramatic calatheas available.
- Calathea medallion: Dark green leaves with a bold medallion pattern on top and deep purple undersides.
- Calathea rattlesnake (Goeppertia insignis): Long, wavy leaves with dark spots that resemble rattlesnake markings.
- Stromanthe triostar: Variegated leaves in shades of green, cream, and pink with vibrant pink undersides.
- Ctenanthe burle-marxii: Fishbone-patterned leaves that fold up at night like true prayer plants.
All of these plants share similar care requirements: indirect light, consistent moisture, and moderate to high humidity. They are also all non-toxic to dogs, making the Marantaceae family a pet owner’s dream collection. For comparisons with other safe plants, see our article on peperomia safety for dogs.
Plants That Look Like Prayer Plants but Are Toxic
Some plants resemble prayer plants in appearance or are commonly displayed alongside them, but they are not safe for dogs. Be aware of these look-alikes:
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Some varieties have large, patterned leaves that could be confused with calatheas or prayer plants. Dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals and causes intense oral pain, drooling, and swelling in dogs.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Patterned, broad-leaved plants that are often displayed near calatheas and prayer plants in nurseries. Chinese evergreens are mildly toxic to dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Caladium: Heart-shaped, colorfully patterned leaves that share display space with prayer plants. Caladiums are toxic and cause significant oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress in dogs.
Always verify the botanical name when purchasing plants. If a plant is unlabeled, use a plant identification app or consult a knowledgeable nursery employee before bringing it home to a dog-friendly household. For more on identifying toxic plants, check out our guide on whether peace lilies are toxic to dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog sleep near a prayer plant?
Yes. Simply being near a prayer plant poses no risk to your dog. Prayer plants do not release toxic fumes, irritating pollen, or harmful substances into the air. The only concern is if your dog decides to chew on the leaves.
Are prayer plant flowers toxic to dogs?
No. While prayer plants rarely flower indoors, the small white or purple blooms they occasionally produce are non-toxic. All parts of the Maranta leuconeura plant are safe for dogs.
Is Maranta the same as Calathea?
They are closely related but different genera within the Marantaceae family. Both are commonly called “prayer plants” because they share the leaf-folding behavior. Both genera are non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Should I be worried if my puppy ate a prayer plant leaf?
No need for alarm. Monitor your puppy for mild digestive upset, but since prayer plants are non-toxic, there is no risk of poisoning. Focus on redirecting your puppy’s chewing to appropriate toys.
What should I do if my dog keeps eating my prayer plant?
Move the plant out of reach, increase your dog’s exercise and enrichment, and practice the “leave it” command consistently. Persistent plant chewing often signals boredom or insufficient stimulation. If the behavior continues despite these changes, consult your vet or a certified dog behaviorist to rule out underlying issues. Visit our dog care blog for more behavioral guidance.
