The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a stunning houseplant known for its beautifully patterned leaves and fascinating habit of folding its foliage at night, resembling hands in prayer. Easy to grow and fun to care for, these tropical plants can thrive indoors with the right attention. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps to keep your prayer plant healthy and vibrant, from watering tips to light preferences, so you can enjoy its beauty year-round.
Understanding Prayer Plant Basics
In this post, we’ll focus on the genus Maranta. The genus Calathea is closely related and sometimes grouped into the prayer plant category, but our care tips today focus mostly on Maranta. These plants are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly Brazil. It thrives under the shaded canopy of tall trees, where it enjoys warm temperatures, high humidity, and indirect light.
There are many different types of prayer plants to choose from (click here for a great list I found), and they make a great addition to an indoor plant collection. These plants have rich, beautiful colors, look great in a plant stand, and they’re non-toxic to animals(source) – great news for pet parents! Just know if you are looking at a Calathea plant, they can be a bit trickier than the Maranta varieties.
One of the most captivating features of the prayer plant is its unique leaf motion, the “prayer” movement. At night, the plant’s leaves fold upward, resembling hands in prayer. This movement (known as nyctinasty) is a natural response to changes in light. During the day, the leaves lay flat to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis, but at night, they rise upward.
This rhythmic motion is controlled by specialized cells at the base of the leaves that react to light and moisture levels, adjusting the plant’s posture to conserve energy and protect its foliage from potential nighttime threats like excess dew.
My Experience with Prayer Plant Care
Before we go any further, I wanted to stop and tell you about my own experience caring for these beautiful plants. I had a Red Maranta like the one shown below (I scoured my iphone and could not find any photos of mine for some reason). I had several indoor plants, but this one was by far the most resilient. My monstera fell victim to mites, my snake plant was loved to death (overwatered), and my pilea never seemed to like the lighting I was providing. My prayer plant with its cute little pink stripes? It thrived through 3 different moves!
In my first apartment it called a poorly lit corner shelf home, in the next it lived on top of a dresser away from much lighting, and in the third it took a bottom shelf near a vent. I broke most of the rules and care tips we’re about to go over. And guess what? It still looked gorgeous! All that’s to say- don’t stress too much over getting everything exactly right. Make observations, course-correct, and adjust your care routine to troubleshoot problems and your plant will reward you with beautiful foliage!
Optimal Growing Conditions for Prayer Plant Care
Prayer plants are pretty easy to grow and care for, they just have a few requirements in terms of low lighting, temperature, humidity, and watering. Let’s take a look.
Lighting Needs for Prayer Plants
Prayer plants thrive in bright, indirect light. In their natural rainforest habitat, they grow on the forest floor, beneath the canopy of taller plants, so direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves. To mimic these conditions indoors, place your prayer plant in a spot where it receives filtered light, such as near an east- or north-facing window. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to fade or develop brown spots. Prayer plants can tolerate living in lower light conditions, making them one of the easier and more adaptable indoor plants you can have in your collection.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements for Prayer Plants
Prayer plants prefer warm, tropical conditions, making them best suited for environments with temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. They do not tolerate cold well, so it’s important to keep them away from drafts, air conditioning vents, or windowsills during the winter months – if you have an indoor greenhouse, they’ll be happy there with extra humidity and warmth.
Since prayer plants are native to rainforests, they love a humid environment. Aim for at least 50% humidity, but higher is ideal. You can increase humidity by using a humidifier, misting the leaves regularly, or placing the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles. Here’s a great way to keep them happy- prioritize space next to your humidifier for just prayer plants, like “The Sprouting Botanist” does (as seen below)!
How to Water Your Prayer Plant (And How Often)
Prayer plants need consistently moist soil, but they do not like to sit in water. To strike the right balance, water your plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be sure excess water drains out of the pot to prevent root rot.
Use room-temperature water and try to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the leaves to curl or turn brown. It’s also best to use filtered water rather than tap water. Prayer plants can be sensitive to the chemicals and minerals in our tap water. During the warmer months, you may need to water more frequently, while in winter, the plant’s water needs will decrease.
Soil and Fertilization Requirements for Prayer Plant Care
Prayer plants require well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A light, airy potting mix is ideal to ensure proper root health and prevent water from pooling, which can lead to root rot.
A mix designed for houseplants works well. You can also create your own blend by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. The peat helps retain moisture, while the perlite improves drainage and aeration. If possible, add some organic matter like coconut coir for extra nutrients and moisture retention.
Whether you have a red prayer plant or a lemon-lime prayer plant, regular fertilization is key. Focus on fertilizing during the growing season (spring and summer). In this time, feed your plant every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Look for a fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to nutrient buildup in the soil, causing leaf burn or stunted growth. In fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows down, reduce or pause fertilization entirely, allowing the plant to rest.
Pruning and Maintenance for Prayer Plant Care
Pruning your Maranta prayer plant is an essential part of its care routine. This helps to maintain its shape, encourage fuller growth, and remove any damaged or dead leaves. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to snip off any yellowing, browning, or leggy stems.
When trimming, cut just above a leaf node (the small bump where a leaf emerges). This encourages new growth to sprout. Pruning can be done throughout the year, but it’s most beneficial during spring and summer when the plant is actively producing new foliage. Regularly pruning the tips will result in a bushier, more compact plant.
For more tips on growing a full, beautiful maranta, check out this helpful video by Harley G on YouTube.
Cleaning the Leaves for Proper Prayer Plant Care
Since prayer plants are known for their broad, colorful leaves, keeping them clean enhances both their appearance and health. Dust can accumulate on the foliage, blocking sunlight and making it harder for the plant to photosynthesize effectively.
To clean the leaves, gently wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks. You can also lightly mist the leaves with water before wiping them. Avoid using leaf shine products, as they can clog the plant’s pores (stomata) and hinder its ability to “breathe.”
How to Propagate a Prayer Plant
Propagating prayer plants is a great way to ensure your plant lives on, and free plant propagations also make great gifts! The two most common methods for propagating prayer plants are through division or cuttings, both of which can result in healthy new plants with the right care.
Prayer Plant Propagation Through Division
Division is one of the easiest ways to propagate a prayer plant and works best when the plant has grown large enough to have multiple stems. Follow these steps for division:
- Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully shake off excess soil to expose the root system.
- Look for natural separations in the plant, typically where multiple stems or clumps are growing.
- Using your hands or a clean knife, carefully divide the plant into two or more sections, each with its own roots and foliage.
- Replant each division in a small pot with fresh, well-draining soil and water lightly.
When you’re done, place the new plants in a warm, humid spot with indirect light to help them settle in.
Prayer Plant Propagation Through Cuttings
Prayer plants can also be propagated from stem cuttings, making it an excellent option for those who want to start a new plant from a single stem. Here’s how to do it:
- Select a healthy stem with at least two or three leaves and cut it just below a node.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving just the top leaves intact.
- Place the cutting in water, submerging the node with the leaves above the water.
- Keep the cutting in a bright, warm spot with indirect light.
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
After a few weeks, you should see roots begin to develop. Once the roots are about an inch long, transplant the cutting into soil and continue regular care. Click here for a helpful tutorial I found on YouTube if you’re more of a visual learner.
Common Problems and Solutions in Prayer Plant Care
Despite being relatively easy to care for, prayer plants can encounter several issues related to pests, diseases, or environmental stress. Identifying and addressing these problems early can help your plant recover and thrive.
Prayer Plant Pests
Prayer plants are susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, which can damage their delicate leaves by sucking plant sap. You can combat all of these pests by wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth and spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Prayer Plant Diseases
Excess moisture and poor airflow can lead to bacterial or fungal infections, which often show up as spots or rotting on the leaves and stems. To prevent this, avoid getting the leaves wet and make sure the prayer plant has adequate airflow. If an infection occurs, remove affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Bonus tip- sprinkling cinnamon on the surface of your plants’ soil is a great way to discourage fungal growth!
Root rot, caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil, is a serious issue that can kill the plant. If you notice yellowing leaves and a foul smell coming from the soil, check the roots. Cut away any mushy, blackened roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Adjust your watering routine to prevent recurrence.
Other Prayer Plant Issues
Environmental factors such as improper lighting, watering, or humidity levels can cause stress for prayer plants. If you notice leaf curling or browning edges of leaves, this is often a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity by misting the plant, using a humidifier, or placing your prayer plant on a moist pebble tray.
Yellow leaves can result from overwatering or exposure to direct sunlight. Check the soil moisture and ensure the plant is in a spot with indirect light. Adjust watering as needed and avoid harsh sunlight.
If your prayer plant starts to grow long, spindly stems with fewer leaves, it may not be getting enough light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight to encourage fuller, more compact growth.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to Prayer Plant Care
At the end of the day, prayer plants are pretty easy to care for. Don’t get too caught up in the details – just make sure your prayer plant is getting enough water and not too much direct sunlight. As long as you take care of the basics, it should thrive in most indoor settings!
Once you’ve mastered prayer plant care, make sure you check out our other guides on Chinese money plant care and snake plants! And if you love indoor gardening, consider creating DIY indoor greenhouse for all your plant babies – it can also serve as a great place to start seeds indoors before the weather warms. Oh, and speaking of, be sure to check out our winter houseplant care tips to help your plants thrive even as it gets chilly out!