How to Care Prayer Plant : Keep the soil moist but not soggy, use filtered water, and place in bright indirect light. Maintain high humidity, fertilize monthly in growing season, and rotate the pot weekly. With this simple routine, my prayer plant stays healthy and folds its leaves beautifully every night. Read in detail below
I’ve been growing prayer plants for over two years, and it’s one of my favorites. Its patterns and movements always grab attention. From keeping it in the right place to watering and feeding it, I’ll share everything I’ve learned so you can enjoy this lovely houseplant too.
IN THIS ARTICLE
About the Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) comes from the tropical forests of Brazil. It gets its name from how the leaves fold up at night and open again during the day. It has beautiful oval-shaped leaves with red, green, or cream patterns.
Common Types:
- Maranta leuconeura ‘Red Prayer Plant’ – Deep green leaves with red veins.
- Maranta leuconeura ‘Lemon Lime’ – Light green patterns with lime-colored veins.
- Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana’ – Green leaves with dark spots, also called Rabbit’s Foot.
How to Care Prayer Plant – Quick Tips
- Water when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
- Use filtered or rainwater to avoid leaf browning.
- Keep in bright, indirect sunlight (no direct sun).
- Maintain humidity around 50-60%.
- Fertilize once a month during growing season.
- Wipe the leaves gently to keep them dust-free.
- Rotate the pot to help it grow evenly.
Watering the Prayer Plant
From my experience, watering is one of the most important parts. Prayer plants love moist soil, but they hate being soggy. I water mine when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Tips:
- Use room-temperature filtered water or rainwater.
- Don’t let the soil dry out completely.
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
- Drain out extra water from the pot tray.
In summers, I water every 3–4 days, and in winters, once a week is usually enough.
Best Soil for Prayer Plant
Prayer plants prefer well-draining but moisture-holding soil. I use a mix of:
- 50% potting soil
- 25% coco peat or peat moss
- 25% perlite or coarse sand
This mix keeps the soil light and airy while holding enough moisture. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Sunlight and Location
Prayer plants like bright but indirect sunlight. I keep mine near a north or east-facing window with sheer curtains.
Avoid:
- Harsh sunlight, which burns the leaves.
- Complete darkness, which slows growth.
If your room is dark, try using a grow light. Rotate the pot once a week for even leaf growth.
Humidity and Temperature
Since prayer plants are tropical, they love humidity. I’ve seen that dry air can make the leaf edges brown.
How I Maintain Humidity:
- Keep a humidity tray under the pot.
- Use a humidifier in dry months.
- Group plants together to share humidity.
Ideal humidity: 50% to 60%
Temperature range: 18°C to 28°C (65°F to 82°F)
Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heaters.
Fertilizing the Prayer Plant
Feeding your prayer plant helps it grow lush and strong. I use a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4 weeks during spring and summer.
Don’t fertilize in winter when the plant rests. Over-fertilizing can cause brown spots or leaf damage, so always follow the instructions.
How to Propagate Prayer Plant
You can easily grow more prayer plants by dividing the root ball or using stem cuttings.
My method:
- Take out the plant from the pot.
- Gently separate sections with 2-3 leaves and roots.
- Plant each section in a new pot with fresh soil.
- Water lightly and place in a warm spot with indirect light.
You’ll see new growth in a few weeks!
Common Problems and Solutions
Here’s a helpful table based on what I’ve faced:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf tips turning brown | Low humidity or tap water | Use filtered water, increase humidity |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering | Let soil dry slightly, improve drainage |
| Leaves not folding at night | Low light or stress | Move to brighter spot, avoid drafts |
| Curling leaves | Underwatering or cold air | Check soil moisture, move from cold air |
FAQ For Prayer Plant Care guide
Why are the leaves of my prayer plant turning brown?
Brown leaf tips are usually caused by low humidity or using tap water. Use filtered water and increase humidity around the plant.
Can I keep my prayer plant in direct sunlight?
No, direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Keep it in bright, indirect light for best growth.
Why is my prayer plant not folding its leaves at night?
This may happen due to low light or plant stress. Move it to a brighter, stable environment.
Conclusion
Caring for a prayer plant is easy when you give it the right environment. With the right balance of light, water, and humidity, it will reward you with beautiful patterned leaves and charming nighttime movements.
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