The prayer plant, or Maranta plant, is one of the most distinguishable tropical plants. This popular tricolor variety has deep green, velvet-like leaves with yellow patches along the midline and red veins traveling to the leaf edges. This plant is a slow-grower, eventually reach up to 12 inches, or 30 centimeters, in height. Here are some helpful hints on how to care for a prayer plant.
Water
Avoid letting the soil of your prayer plant dry out completely. Water your prayer plant whenever the top layer of soil becomes dry. These plants are very susceptible to drought; if left un-watered, the prayer plant will not survive.
To avoid fungal problems, avoid letting water sit directly on the leaves or let the plant become soggy. Underwatering and overwatering will cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop from the plant. When watering your prayer plant, use room temperature water, if not slightly warm.
Air
Prayer plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or 16 to 27 degrees Celsius. Extended lower temperatures will damage the leaves and cause them to drop from the plant.
Prayer plants thrive best in a humid environment. To increase humidity, use a small humidifier nearby, or place the plant atop a tray that has been filled with small stones and water. You can also mist the leaves frequently with room temperature or slightly warm water.
Light
Place or hang your prayer plant near a window where it will receive indirect in ouousunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as the sun will scorch the plant’s leaves. The leaves may even develop blotches or patches and fade in a color ok intensity. Prayer plants are generally tolerant of lower light areas. In the winter, when the plants become dormant, provide them with bright light to maintain growth.
Soil
Prayer plants prosper in well-draining soil. A traditional potting mix works well, but you can make your own by combining two parts sphagnum peat moss, one part loamy soil, and one part perlite or coarse sand. The soil should be acidic with a pH of 6.0. Add rocks or gravel to the bottom of your pot to improve drainage and be sure that the pot has ample drainage holes.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your prayer plant every two weeks from early spring through fall, reducing to once a month in winter. with a water-soluble plant fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Too little fertilizer will result in slow growth. Too much fertilizer can burn the plant's roots and lead to the complete loss of the plant.
Prayer plants are a beautiful addition to your home. Follow our tips on how to care for your prayer plant to achieve a long-lasting plant life.
Need More Help?
We offer a no-fee Plant Clinic to help plants that are struggling or in poor health. Let us help you restore your plant to good health.
Learn more about Walden Floral Design's Plant Clinic: https://www.waldenfloral.com/plant-clinic.