Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) just got checked.
This looks like a stressed Maranta rather than a pest or disease issue. The key clue is that new leaves are opening, then shriveling, with some yellowing older leaves. In prayer plants, that pattern most often points to the root ball drying too much between waterings, even if the top soil feels dry while the middle stays unevenly moist. They prefer evenly moist soil, not cycles of dry-then-soak. Indoor humidity at 60% is decent, so the bigger issue is likely water consistency and possibly irregular light.
Stabilize moisture and light
Switch from 'water when the top is dry' to 'keep evenly lightly moist.' Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 cm is just starting to dry, then drain fully. Give bright, indirect light in a steady spot and avoid strong sun or frequent moving.
Also possible, but less likely
What would prove it
Watch the newest growth for improvement
If the issue is mainly underwatering stress, new leaves should start opening flatter and less crispy once watering becomes consistent. Remove only fully yellow or dead leaves; keep healthy green ones.
Turn this into a recovery case
One photo gives a diagnosis. Tracking proves whether the plant is recovering.
Don’t leave the diagnosis hanging 🌱
Save it now, then use the next photo to confirm if this was the right call.
Create account & save plant 🌱