Prayer Plant

During the day, the leaves lay flat, almost horizontal. It is a houseplant that has various leaf color patterns.

Some varieties are light green with dark reddish-brown markings. Others have red veins, or dark leaves with light veins.

As a houseplant, its unique appearance adds contrast to solid, static plants and it can be a focal point in the grouping.

Growing Habits

The maranta likes bright light, but not direct sunlight. It prefers a humid atmosphere, which a daily misting with tepid water can provide.

A soil mix of two parts peat moss, one part each loam and perlite will provide the drainage needed.

The soil should remain moist except during the short days of winter, when it should be allowed to dry out.

Also in winter, maintain the humidity, as indoor heating can be too dry for the plant.

Sitting the prayer plant in a tray of pebbles and shallow water will help retain the humidity needed, but be careful not to let the pot sit in water. Ideal temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees.

Feed monthly during summer with houseplant fertilizer. As the leaves become straggly, remove them to promote new growth.

Spider mites, mealy bugs and aphids, the most common houseplant pests, can be a nuisance for the prayer plant.

Check new plants before bringing them into a group of houseplants, to prevent introduction of pests.

As with all houseplants, check periodically for any sign of infestation and pick off or use an insecticide for the specific pest.

Propagation

In late winter to early spring, before new growth begins, the plant can be divided. Separate the roots carefully and repot each section.

Later in the season, into early summer, a leaf can be propagated by cutting it along with a length of stem. Place the cutting in a peat and perlite mix and cover with a sheet of plastic wrap to keep the cutting moist until it roots.

Poke a few holes in the plastic for air and keep the plant in a sunny area until the roots are at least an inch long before potting.

The prayer plant is a unique and exotic plant that stands out from the crowd. It is an interesting conversation piece and is a favorite for many houseplant collectors.