What is a Prayer Plant?
A prayer plant or more correctly known as a ‘prayer of Maranta,’ commonly refers to Maranta leuconeura. In horticulture, it has recently emerged to gain popularity as the foliage with amazing beauty and distinct action of the leaves. Found within the Brazilian tropical regions, these plants have become popular not due to its flowers but instead with leaves folded up at night-time; hands in prayer; it therefore earns the name- the prayer plant.
Special features of Prayer plants:
Prayer plants are characterized by brightly lit leaves of different colors such as deep green, red and purple with bright pattern on the surface. What is unique to them nevertheless is the mobility of their leaves. At night, the leaves are perpendicular to the ground and the next morning, the leaves open, giving plants a fairy touch.
Ideal Conditions for Prayer Plant Growth
Low maintenance plants they are, but still they too have needs that must be met so that they can grow a normal, healthy life. Getting these right will ensure creating an environment in which your prayer plant thrives best.
Light Requirements
They love indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch the delicate leaves of these plants, so best kept near a window with sheer curtains or in a filtered sun situation. Too little light and they become leggy and cease the signature leaf movement.
Temperature and Humidity Needs
Prayer plants are indigenous to tropical climates, and, therefore, they require warm conditions that are characteristic of such areas, and humidity. This means that the best conditions for growing these plants range from 65°F – 75°F / 18°C – 24°C. Regarding humidity, they enjoy a moisture level within the air they inhabit. For Prayer Plant , you’ll want to consider the humidity level of your home – if it is very dry, you might add a humidity tray under the pot or use a room humidifier.
How to Grow and Care for Prayer Plant: A Beginner’s Checklist
Watering: How Much is Too Much?
This is because the quality of water that you give your Prayer Plant really matters to the general health of the plant. These plants prefer their soil to be moist at all times but not flooded. Irrigate the plants when the first inch of the top layer of soil is dry. Thus, it should go without saying that the pot should have good drainage so as not to drown the plant and cause root rot. Should not allow water to accumulate at the base in the saucer, and always, always, always ensure that whatever is left is tipped out after sometime to avoid suffocating the roots by soaking in the water.
Selection and Potted Tips of Soil
Prayer plants prefer potting mixes that have good drainage, slightly acidic pH. Coarse mix designed for tropical plants is ideal, but for the preparation of your own mix you should take one part of peat, one part of perlite, and one part of pine bark. Select a pot that has several holes at its bottom so that water drain may be made effective. Repot in a pot 1-2 inch wider than the one it is already growing in so that it can accommodate for the roots.
Prune and Maintenance
Your Prayer Plant looks good, as the dead and damaged leaves have been cut off regularly. The energy you save is useful in creating new leaves and a stronger growth. Prune back when it starts to grow leggy; using clean sharp scissors makes a significant difference, saving it from injury.
Pothos Plant Care – Issues to Watch Out For
As with all plants, Prayer Plants are not without some issues that have been following them around. Below are some of the problems you may come across and how to get the solution here!
Yellowing of leaves and drooping of stems
Wilting or browning of the leaves or yellow stems may be evidence your Prayer Plant is overwatered, under-watered or in a dry environment. Feel the soil and if it is too wet or too dry water your plant vice versa organize the next time to water the plant. Use a severe spray of the plant or use a humidity tray under the plant.
Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Healthy Prayer Plants are not commonly bothered by pests but possible pests include spider mites, aphids or mealybugs. You have to inspect its underside for pests, especially the leaves on a daily basis. If you notice anything on them, you should use a damp cloth to clean the leaves or spray an insecticide soap. Fungal infections and root rot can also occur, this is in case the plant is over watered, so avoid water logging.
Why Choose Prayer Plant For Your House?
Prayer plant is a beautiful plant that belongs to the family Marantaceae and native of Brazil As the name suggests, this plant is often prayed by people because of its charm In this article, the aesthetic value of the prayer plant will be discussed.
The Prayer Plant has gorgeous leaves and, with its help, it is possible to make the focus of any room. Due to the bright colors, and the flexibility of the leaves there’s elegance and a certain mystery that comes with it, and as such, it’s a perfect fit in the house as a standing ornament.
Low-Maintenance Indoor Plant
Astonishingly, being native to tropical regions, they are not very difficult to cultivate. These plants do not demand a lot of attention, and therefore can be grown by both the novice and the advanced plant lovers. The Prayer Plant is yet another beautifully elegant plant that requires very little attention and care if you are looking for a plant to add to your collection.
Conclusion: Keep Your Prayer Plant Thriving
With proper care, your Prayer Plant will reward you with beautiful, never-still leaves that add some life and color to your home. It should be in a spot with indirect light, keep the right humidity, and care for watering it, and you will see it grow. Sometimes, things do not go smoothly, but patience and attention ensure that your Prayer Plant will survive.
