How To Grow Prayer Plant

Maranta

Named after an Italian physician and botanist, this genus features a few dozen plants native to the American tropics. Its common name comes from its leaves that stay flat during the day and then fold up at night like praying hands. Very decorative foliage!  

LIGHT

Prayer plants prefer indirect sunlight. Direct sun will scorch the leaves or cause colour fading, blotching and patching on the foliage. It is more tolerant of low light than high light. 

WATER

Water frequently during the growing season. Never allow the soil to dry out. This plant is very susceptible to drought.  To avoid fungal problems, never let the plant sit in water or allow water to sit on the foliage. Use room temperature water. Reduce watering in the winter. 

SOIL

Pray plants prefer a peat based, acidic potting soil that is well drained.  Use perlite or sand in your soil blend to ensure good drainage.  Ensure your pot has a drainage hole!
 

CARE

This plant may go dormant in winter. Provide it with more light to maintain growth.  Overwatering can cause the leaves to go yellow and drop.  Maintain a temperature between 60-80F indoors. Lower temperatures can damage the foliage.  Fertilize every 2 weeks with a ½ strength liquid fertilizer. Don’t over fertilize is it can cause leaf browning.