Prayer Plant Care Guide: How to Grow and Keep Them Thriving

Indoor gardening is a popular way to grow healthy plants, but many houseplants are challenging to grow indoors. These plants often require specific humidity levels, careful watering, and high maintenance, making it challenging to stay healthy. Improper light, humidity, and temperature balance can cause browning leaves or stunted plant growth. Some houseplants are also toxic to pets. Hence, gardeners who require non-toxic pet plants and want to maintain the beauty of indoor gardening with vibrant leaves usually prefer prayer plants. 

Prayer plants have vibrant, patterned leaves that fold at night. They grow well in high humidity, low light conditions, and well-draining soil. These plants grow slowly and can reach a foot in height at any time of the year. They usually grow from early spring to fall with their vibrant, deep green color.

Prayer plants are not too difficult to care for, but they need proper attention to grow well. Growcycle offers many tips and tools to care prayer plants.

What is A Prayer Plant?

The prayer plant, also known as Maranta leuconeura, is a tropical plant known for its unique and attractive features:

• Leaves: The leaves are oval-shaped, with striking patterns and colors, such as green, red, or purple. They often have a herringbone or feather-like design with lighter-colored veins.
• Movement: The plant gets its name from its leaves, which fold upward at night, resembling hands in prayer. This movement is due to changes in light and is controlled by a specialized joint called a pulvinus.
• Size: Prayer plants typically grow low to the ground, reaching about 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall but can spread wider.
• Flowers: They occasionally produce small, white, or lavender flowers, though the blooms are less striking than the leaves.
• Roots: The roots are fibrous, and in their native habitats, prayer plants spread across the forest floor.

Benefits of Choosing Prayer Plant 

Prayer plants are ideal household plants that bring unique beauty to indoor spaces. Gardeners can consider these benefits when choosing prayer plants:

• Natural Purifier: The red prayer plant improves air quality by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. These plants act as low-maintenance air fresheners to counter the positive ions emitted by electronic devices, making them a natural antidote for a healthier, fresher space.

• Humidity Control: Besides purifying air, red prayer plants also help to maintain optimal moisture levels within the area. Hence, these plants are a solution to dry skin and promote a more comfortable living environment. 
• Low Light Conditions: The prayer plant grows wells in low-light conditions, which is perfect for indoor spaces with limited sunlight. If there is no direct sunlight, these plants are excellent for thriving. 
• Pet Friendly: These plants are non-toxic to household pets such as cats or dogs, making them a safe choice for pet owners. If chewed by curious pets, there is no risk of poisoning; hence, they are safer for pets, too. 
• Unique Leaf Movement: Prayer plants are known for their unique leaf movements. Their leaves fold upwards at night, similar to the praying hands, and become open during the day, helping maximize light absorption.  
• Reduces Stress: The calming movement of leaves and colorful texture can help to reduce stress and improve focus. They are ideal plants for a sense of relaxation and mindfulness. 
• Visual Appeal: These plants have vibrant red, green, and silver leaf textures. Their unique color variation makes them a visually appealing addition to indoor gardening. 

Types of Prayer Plants

There are multiple types of prayer plants, each with unique leaf patterns and colors:

1. Rabbit Foot Prayer Plant

The rabbit foot prayer plant is a low-growing tropical plant with vibrant green leaves. It is a non-toxic pet plant that can grow up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. These plants are more familiar with Central and South American conditions and thrive well in warm, humid environments with bright or indirect light. However, regular trimming, high humidity, and moisture are needed for its proper growth. 

2. Lemon Lime Prayer Plant

The Lemon Lime prayer plant, with its vibrant leaves of green and yellow hues, makes an attractive leaf movement. It grows well in warm and humid temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). This non-toxic plant is ideal for indoor spaces with 12-18 inches wide growth. Due to its low maintenance, gardeners can choose this plant for homes with pets and children. 

3. Silver Band Prayer Plant

Silver Band prayer plant has an aesthetic silver band on the dark green color of the leaves, which adds more beauty to the indoor space. Within the ideal humidity level, this plant thrives in warm temperature between thrives in warm temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. 

To maintain healthy growth, prune any damaged or yellowing leaves and repot the plant every 1-2 years. Regular care, including proper light, temperature, humidity, and watering, will help it thrive.

4. Black Prayer Plant

Black prayer plant produces dark purple and olive-green hues with silver-blue leaves, making it vibrant and visually appealing. This plant allows the leaves to grow up to 11 inches with small white flowers. 

The black prayer plant is part of the Marantaceae family and has a specific veined pattern. Its dark purple background and its folding leaves at night make it unique. The plant works well in humid temperatures and indirect sunlight. 

5. Red Prayer Plant

The red prayer plant, also known as the Herringbone prayer plant, has green leaves with red veins in a herringbone pattern. It thrives in bright, indirect light but avoids direct sun, which can fade its colors.

The red prayer plant needs humidity, so gardeners can use a humidifier, place it on a pebble tray, or mist it regularly. These plants can be pruned above the leaf node for the brushier and spreading outward growth. 

6. Ctenanthe Setosa Grey Star

The Grey Star, also called Ctenanthe setosa, is popular because of its large, elliptical leaves with a pale silver surface and dark veins. It is one of the larger household Ctenanthe prayer plants that can reach up to 5 feet in height and 3 feet in width. 

These prayer plants thrive in bright, indirect light and a humid environment for optimal growth. When they appear, their flowers are tiny and white. 

Comparison: Maranta Prayer Plant vs. Calathea 

Essential Factors to Grow Prayer Plants

Here are the essential factors needed to grow prayer plants successfully:

1. Water

Prayer plants need regular moisture and should be watered when the top layer of soil feels dry. Gardeners can use filtered or distilled water to avoid fluoride problems and ensure good drainage in the pot.

2. Temperature 

Prayer plants cannot grow in extreme weather conditions. Only a stable temperature between 65°F and 70°F can help them grow well. Over 80°F can cause leaf burn, and below 55°F may damage the leaves, leading to browning and shrinking. 

3. Light

Prayer plants grow quickly only in bright and indirect light. Low light can also be used, but it mostly causes their leaves to remain closed. However, direct sunlight can also burn their leaves. 

4. Soil 

Prayer plants need well-draining and slightly acidic soil to grow well indoors. A basic potting mix works well; gardeners can mix peat moss, loamy soil, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage.

5. Fertilizer

Fertilizers can help to produce high-quality prayer plants. Gardeners can use diluted water-soluble fertilizer in spring and summer. However, too little fertilizer can damage the roots, resulting in slower growth. 

Tips to Maintain Prayer Plants for Thriving Indoor Garden

Here are some tips to keep prayer plants healthy and thriving in an indoor garden:

1. Choose a Suitable Container 

The container with drainage holes works best for prayer plants. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches wider to allow root growth. Gardeners can consider plastic pots, glazed ceramic, terra cotta, or glass. 

2. Use Right Soil 

Prayer plants thrive in well-draining and airy soil. Regular and basic potting soil can work in that case, but ensure the pot has drainage holes. However, gardeners need to be aware of perlite sand, as too much perlite can lead to fluoride burn, which causes browning leaves.

3. Avoid Overwatering

It is important to avoid overwatering the plant for healthy growth. Overwatering can result in yellowing leaf tips, falling leaves, and root rot. Hence, only use warm or room-temperature water to avoid leaf burn. 

4. Manage Light

Prayer plants require indirect sunlight, which can be found in shady areas with warm temperatures. Too much sunlight is harmful, as the plant can start shrinking leaves or fading in color. Keeping the plant in a location with controlled, diffused light is essential as these plants are native to tropical rainforests. 

5. Fertilize Regularly

Fertilize the plants every two to three weeks during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. In other seasons, such as winter, it is enough to fertilize once a month because over-fertilizing can harm the plant, causing brown or dead leaves. 

6. Repot at Proper Time

Timely repotting of plants is important for quick plant growth. Gardeners can repot a prayer plant when its roots start growing out of the drainage holes or if it becomes difficult to keep the soil moist. In case of stunted plant growth, also repot a plant. 

7. No Need to Prune 

Prayer plants do not require regular pruning sessions to continue vibrant growth. Gardeners can trim the above leaf nodes for brushier or outward growth and increase the spreading of foliage. 

8. Control Pests

Mealybugs or spider mites with tiny black dots and white webs can damage the whole plant's growth. Gardeners can clean their leaves regularly to remove dust and provide a high humidity level to control the spider mites. 

9. Propagation

Propagation makes caring for prayer plants easy. When repotting, separate the root plants, cut the stem from the below portion of the leaf node, and place it in water. Now, regularly water the plant until the root is formed again and grows an inch long. 

How to Repot Prayer Plant?

Here is a detailed guide to repotting a prayer plant:

1. Pick the Right Time

Repot the prayer plant during spring or early summer when it grows actively. This is the best time because the plant can quickly adjust to its new pot and soil. Avoid repotting during winter or when the plant appears stressed.

2. Choose a New Pot

Select a pot that is 1–2 inches wider than the current one. A slightly larger pot allows the roots to grow without overwhelming the plant. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.

3. Prepare the Soil

Use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A good mix includes potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. This combination retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain, mimicking the plant's natural environment. Adding a small amount of organic compost can also provide extra nutrients.

4. Take Out the Plant

Gently loosen the soil around the edges of the pot. Hold the base of the plant and carefully pull it out. If the plant resists, tap the sides of the pot or squeeze it gently to loosen the soil. Avoid tugging, as this can damage the roots.

5. Check and Trim the Roots

Inspect the roots for any signs of rot, such as dark, mushy areas. Trim off damaged or unhealthy roots with clean, sterilized scissors or pruning shears. Healthy roots are white or light-colored and firm. This step ensures that only healthy roots will grow in the new soil.

6. Plant in the New Pot

Add a layer of fresh soil to the bottom of the new pot. Place the plant in the center so that the root ball's top is slightly below the pot’s rim. Fill the pot with soil around the roots, pressing lightly to remove air pockets. Do not pack the soil too tightly, which can restrict root growth.

7. Water Thoroughly

Water the plant immediately after repotting to help the soil settle around the roots. Allow the excess water to drain completely. If the soil level sinks after watering, add a bit more soil to ensure the plant is stable.

8. Place in the Right Spot

Return the plant to its usual location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days after repotting to let the plant adjust. Keep it in a stable environment with warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C) and high humidity.

9. Monitor the Plant

For the first few weeks after repotting, monitor the plant closely. Water only when the top layer of soil dries out, and watch for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. If the plant looks healthy, it means it is adjusting well to its new pot.

How to Propagate Prayer Plant?

There are two ways to propagate prayer plants:

Stem Dividing 

• Gently remove the prayer plant from its pot.
• Shake off the excess soil to divide individual plants. 
• Use sterilized scissors to separate connected stems or roots.
• Place each divided section into individual pots with well-draining soil.
• Ensure the roots are healthy, white, and fibrous.
• Water the newly potted plants.
• Keep the plants in a warm, bright atmosphere to increase growth.

Stem Cutting

• Use sterilized scissors to cut healthy stems, keeping 1-2 nodes per cutting.
• Remove at least one or two leaves from each cutting.
• Prepare a mix of three parts perlite and one part potting soil.
• Insert the cut end into the rooting hormone powder.
• Insert the cuttings into the soil to ensure the hormone stays intact.
• Place the cuttings in a warm, humid area with bright light. A warming mat can help.

FAQs 

Does the prayer plant need sunlight? 

Prayer plants indirectly need sunlight. Because direct sunlight can burn the leaves, indirect sunlight through shady areas is helpful. 

How often should I water my prayer plant? 

Prayer plants need water regularly, but only when the top layer of the plant dries. Otherwise, overwatering can cause issues. 

Are prayer plants toxic to pets? 

No, prayer plants are not toxic to household pets such as cats or dogs and are pet-friendly plants. 

The Bottom Line

Prayer plants are attractive and easy to care for indoor plants that grow well in warm, humid places with indirect light. They are safe for pets but need gentle handling and regular care, especially watering. Gardeners should repot them carefully to help them grow better.

With the right care, prayer plants can brighten any indoor space. Their special leaf movements make them a favorite choice for houseplants. Growcycle provides helpful guidance and tools to help gardeners pick the best prayer plant and care for it properly.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

Sources:

1. Wikipedia - Maranta leuconeura

2. Gardenersworld - How to grow maranta (prayer plant)

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.