Prayer Plant

Overview

The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a stunning tropical houseplant beloved for its vividly patterned oval leaves and fascinating movement. Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, this plant gets its common name from its distinctive habit of folding its leaves upward at night, resembling hands in prayer.

Part of the Marantaceae family, Prayer Plants are known for their striking leaf patterns featuring various combinations of green, red, and cream colors with prominent veining. The undersides of the leaves are typically a rich purple or red, adding to their ornamental appeal.

Beyond their beautiful appearance, Prayer Plants are known for their air-purifying qualities. They're also non-toxic to pets and humans, making them a safe choice for households with curious children and animals.

While Prayer Plants require a bit more attention than some houseplants, their unique beauty and fascinating leaf movements make them well worth the extra care. With proper attention to humidity and watering, these plants can thrive indoors, bringing a touch of tropical elegance to your home.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

Prayer Plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light, which mimics their natural habitat on the forest floor where they receive dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy:

• Medium indirect light: Ideal for maintaining vibrant leaf patterns and healthy growth
• Bright indirect light: Acceptable, but avoid too much brightness which can fade the leaf patterns
• Low light: Will survive but growth will slow and patterns may become less distinct
• Direct sunlight: Avoid as it will scorch the delicate leaves and fade their beautiful patterns

For optimal growth, place your Prayer Plant near an east-facing window where it will receive gentle morning sun, or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window where direct sunlight won't reach the leaves. In offices or rooms with fluorescent lighting, Prayer Plants can also thrive if kept within a few feet of the light source.

If you notice the leaf patterns becoming less vibrant or the plant stretching toward the light source, it may need more light. Conversely, if leaves develop brown spots or appear bleached, the plant may be receiving too much direct light.

Watering

Prayer Plants prefer consistently moist soil but are sensitive to overwatering. Finding the right balance is key to keeping these tropical beauties happy:

Watering Schedule:

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry out
• Typically this means watering once every 5-7 days, depending on your home's conditions
• Reduce watering slightly in winter, but never allow the soil to dry out completely

Watering Technique:

• Use room temperature water, as cold water can shock the roots
• Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes
• Empty the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in water
• Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as Prayer Plants are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water

Prayer Plants will signal when they need water by drooping or curling their leaves. However, don't wait until this point to water, as consistent moisture is important for these plants. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, while brown, crispy edges suggest underwatering or low humidity.

Soil

Prayer Plants thrive in rich, well-draining soil that retains some moisture while still allowing excess water to flow away from the roots:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• 2 parts standard potting soil
• 1 part peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)
• 1 part perlite or pumice (for drainage)
• Optional: Add a small amount of orchid bark for additional aeration

This combination creates a light, airy mix that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. The slightly acidic nature of peat moss also suits Prayer Plants, which prefer a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Repot your Prayer Plant every 1-2 years in spring, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that's only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, as too large a pot can hold excess moisture and lead to root rot.

Temperature & Humidity

As tropical plants, Prayer Plants have specific temperature and humidity requirements that reflect their native environment:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Minimum temperature: 60°F (15°C)
• Avoid temperatures below 55°F (13°C), which can damage the plant
• Keep away from cold drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents

Humidity:

• Prefers high humidity (50-60% or higher)
• Will struggle in dry environments below 40% humidity
• Increase humidity through these methods:
  • Use a humidifier near the plant
  • Place on a pebble tray with water
  • Group with other plants to create a microclimate
  • Mist leaves regularly, especially in winter when indoor air is drier

Humidity is particularly important for Prayer Plants. In low humidity, leaves may develop brown edges and tips, and the plant's natural leaf movements may become restricted. If you notice these signs, take immediate steps to increase humidity around your plant.

Fertilizing

Prayer Plants benefit from regular but gentle fertilization during their growing season:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength
• Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer (active growth period)
• Reduce to once every 6-8 weeks in fall
• Stop fertilizing completely in winter when growth naturally slows

Fertilizing Tips:

• Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn
• Flush the soil thoroughly every few months to prevent salt buildup
• If leaves develop brown tips despite adequate humidity, you may be over-fertilizing
• Organic fertilizers like fish emulsion or worm castings can be gentler alternatives

Prayer Plants are not heavy feeders, and too much fertilizer can cause more harm than good. Signs of over-fertilization include leaf burn, crusty soil surface, and slowed growth. If you notice these symptoms, flush the soil thoroughly with water and reduce your fertilizing frequency.

Propagation

Prayer Plants can be propagated through division or stem cuttings, making it easy to expand your collection or share with friends:

Division Method:

1. Remove the plant from its pot during repotting in spring
2. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each division has several stems and a good portion of the root system
3. Plant each division in its own pot with fresh soil
4. Water thoroughly and place in a warm, humid location with indirect light
5. Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears

Stem Cutting Method:

1. Select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 leaves
2. Using clean scissors or pruning shears, cut just below a leaf node
3. Remove the bottom leaf to expose the node
4. Place the cutting in a container with clean water, ensuring the node is submerged but leaves remain above water
5. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria growth
6. After 2-4 weeks, roots should develop from the node
7. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, plant in moist soil
8. Cover with a clear plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity
9. Remove the covering gradually over a week to acclimate the new plant

Prayer Plants propagated from cuttings may take some time to establish, but with patience and consistent care, they will develop into full, healthy plants. The best time to propagate is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Common Problems

While Prayer Plants are generally resilient, they can experience several common issues:

Curling or Crisping Leaves:

• Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or excessive direct sunlight
• Solution: Increase humidity, adjust watering schedule, and move to a location with appropriate light

Brown Leaf Edges:

• Cause: Low humidity, fluoride/chlorine in water, or fertilizer buildup
• Solution: Increase humidity, use filtered water, and flush soil occasionally to remove mineral buildup

Yellowing Leaves:

• Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or normal aging of older leaves
• Solution: Adjust watering frequency, ensure proper drainage, and remove only completely yellow leaves

Fading Leaf Patterns:

• Cause: Too much direct sunlight or aging
• Solution: Move to a location with appropriate indirect light

Pests:

• Spider Mites: Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing, particularly in dry conditions
• Mealybugs: White, cotton-like insects that cluster in leaf joints
• Scale: Small, brown bumps on stems and leaf undersides
• Solution: Increase humidity (for spider mites), wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil, isolate affected plants

Leaf Not Folding at Night:

• Cause: Insufficient light during the day, low humidity, or stress
• Solution: Ensure the plant receives adequate indirect light, increase humidity, and address any other stress factors

Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or compacted soil
• Solution: Reduce watering frequency, ensure pot has drainage holes, and consider repotting in fresh, well-draining soil

Most Prayer Plant problems can be resolved by adjusting care routines to better match their tropical preferences, particularly regarding humidity and watering.

Popular Varieties

The Prayer Plant family includes several stunning varieties, each with unique leaf patterns and colors:

Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura (Red Prayer Plant)

• The most common variety
• Green leaves with prominent red veins
• Distinctive dark green patches between the veins
• Leaves have a velvety texture

Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana (Rabbit's Foot)

• Light green leaves with darker green oval patches
• Less prominent veining than other varieties
• More compact growth habit
• Also called "Green Prayer Plant"

Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator'

• Deep green leaves with white or cream-colored midrib
• Pink to red veins radiating from the midrib
• Purple undersides to the leaves
• One of the most colorful varieties

Maranta leuconeura 'Kim'

• Cream to white background color
• Green patches and red veins
• Highly ornamental and somewhat rarer
• Requires slightly more light to maintain variegation

Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime'

• Bright chartreuse or yellow-green leaves
• Darker green oval patches
• Creates a bright accent in plant collections
• May require slightly more light than darker varieties

Maranta leuconeura 'Black'

• Very dark green, almost black-appearing leaves
• Silver-white midrib and veining
• Dramatic contrast makes it highly sought after
• Requires same care as other varieties

While all these varieties share the same care requirements, those with more variegation or lighter coloration may need slightly more light to maintain their distinctive patterns. The Prayer Plant's close relatives, including Calathea and Stromanthe, are sometimes mistakenly called Prayer Plants but belong to different genera within the same family (Marantaceae).

With their stunning foliage, fascinating leaf movements, and tropical appeal, Prayer Plants make a distinctive addition to any houseplant collection. While they require a bit more attention to humidity and water quality than some houseplants, their unique beauty makes them well worth the extra care.