How to Care for a Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura – Prayer Plant
Natural Habitat
The prayer plant is native to the tropical parts of Brazil where it grows among the forset floor as it is a creeper.
Soil Requirements
Although the prayer plant prefers humid conditions, it does not like soggy soil. It is best to pot your prayer plant in a mix of perlite, potting soil and orchid bark. I have my three prayer plants growing in the same mix and they are all doing well.
Lighting
These plants tent to do well in a variety of light conditions but it is they do the best in places that have bright indirect sun or that gets some morning sun. They can also survive in low light conditions however their growth will be slower and leggier. I have one next to a east facing window and two in the kitchen that get low light. The one by the window has given me flowers for 2 months.
Water
The prayer plant prefers to have moist soil and does not do well with under watering. I water my prayer plants once a week and do bottom watering once a month. It is best to avoid water from pooling on the leaves for prolonged periods of time as it can cause fungal infections.
General Care
It is best to give the plant some space to crawl. I have planted one plant in a longer pot and will be repotting the other two in the spring. I think it allows for the plant to stretch in more directions while being supported.
It is best to inspect the leaves of your plants regularly as they can be invested with spider mites and mealy bugs.
To encourage growth, it is best to fertilize the plants every two weeks during summer and spring.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves: This is caused by poor drainage or overwatering. To remedy this it is best to let the top layer of the soil dry out. You can also check that the pot has drainage holes.
Brown leaf tips: This can be caused by underwatering or too much sun. You could water your plant more frequently as well as move it to a spot that has less direct sun.