This is a complete guide to propagating and caring for prayer plants, containing everything you need to care for this beautiful, colorful houseplant.
Indoor plants in the house are very beneficial; However, many people don’t keep houseplants in their homes for very long due to the way they are cared for. When caring for a houseplant, sometimes things go wrong because we don’t have enough knowledge on how to take care of it.
Some of the indoor plants we have around the house are of different varieties, which also affects how they are cared for. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about one of our favorite houseplants.
Contents
The bottom of the prayer plant.
| botanical name | maranta leuconeura |
| common name | prayer plant |
| Origin | Brazil, Asia |
| desired temperature | 65-75f (18-24C) |
| light | bright, indirect light |
| Water | Normal |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to children and pets. |
| Collaborater | Plants: 12 inches tall. Leaves: 6 inches tall. |
The name prayer plant is a common name for various types of herbaceous plants. They are from the Marantaceae family, they are perennial plants, that is to say they grow and remain alive for more than a year. This family includes 31 genera and about 550 different species.
The maranta leuconeura we are focusing on is a colorful tropical plant from South America, it is known for its oval leaves, it grows up to about 30 cm. The prayer plant is available in a variety of colors, from light green to brown, gray, dark red to bright green.
The name “prayer plant” was given to it because of the way the plant bends and erects like praying hands. Prayer plants are best known for being indoors, but some varieties also do well when placed outdoors. Many of us do not know that the prayer plant produces flowers, this is one of the advantages of growing outdoors.
Planting and growing prayer plants is not difficult; however, it has specific requirements. As a rainforest plant, the plant has specific needs, namely light, temperature and water.
The inability to meet these needs makes it difficult for many people who don’t know it.
Prayer Plant Propagation Requirements
The following requirements are needed to help you plant and grow a prayer plant.
1. light
Considering that the prayer plant comes from the rainforest, it is important to note that it does not need direct sunlight, as direct sunlight or too much light will cause faded colors, burnt leaves and brown spots on the skin. to browse.
The prayer plant thrives and flowers well in bright, indirect light. If you are placing it indoors, you may want to place it where it won’t get too much light.
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For a prayer plant, the soil must be perfect. This means that no mistakes can be made when preparing the soil for the plant. The prayer plant requires acidic soil, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.
You can use prepackaged potting soil, but make sure it drains well. Like many plants, well-drained soil is essential for healthy growth. The soil should be neither too dry nor too wet.
3. Humidity
Like many tropical forest plants, the prayer plant tolerates a humid environment. Especially if you are going to grow the prayer plant indoors, you need to ensure high humidity.
You can increase the humidity indoors by getting a humidifier or by growing your plant near other green plants so that they maintain a constant level of humidity. ex. radiators etc
Four. flower pot
When preparing to plant a prayer plant, the right kind of pot to get is a plastic pot. This is because the terracotta pot will dry out the soil. The best is a plastic pot with a drainage house. You should also make sure the pot is shallow; This is because the plant’s root system is also shallow, so there is less risk of overwatering.
[Quick Tip]
As is often the case with multi-colored houseplants, prayer plants do not need full direct sun. putting it in full sun will harm the plant more than it benefits it, it benefits from indirect light and this is attributed to its origin.
Propagation of prayer plants.
Propagating prayer plants is one of the many things that people wonder about. Here are some ways to propagate the prayer plant.
1. Grow a prayer plant from a stem cutting
It is the most popular of all breeding methods; It is also the easiest way to increase the supply of your plants. Cut the plant, below the nodes, near the bottom of the stem, this is the point where the leaves will come off the stem. Dip a centimeter of the cutting in a little water and then in a rooting hormone.
Once done, move the cup to the pot. Make sure the potting mix is well-drained and moist. You can cover it with a plastic bag, for good ventilation and humidity.
2. Slideshow
This is another common way to propagate prayer plants. Choose a healthy plant, if it has several stems, and divide them into strips. Prepare a pot and potting soil, remove the plant from the current pot, brush it with soil/sand to show the roots.
Remove the clumps of stems and roots with your fingertips and replant them in new pots, in the same way as before. Each of the jumps will spawn new plants.
3. Propagation from seeds
Is it possible to propagate from seeds? Absolute! However, it can be difficult to find a prayer plant seed. You can harvest a few seeds from its flowers when they fade. Sow your seeds in moist soil between 55 and 65 degrees temperature.
Retain moisture by covering the seed with a plastic bag (if planting in pots). Place them in a less humid environment and as they grow, expose them to more humidity.
How do you take care of your prayer plant?
The first thing to keep in mind when caring for a prayer plant is that watering is very important for prayer plants, as the roots are shallow and very delicate.
1.Water your plant the right way
It should never be too dry or too runny. Make sure the topsoil is moist, not dry, and not soggy before watering. You can regularly water the plant little by little.
A sure way to get the right watering look is to fill the watering can the night before and leave it overnight, by the time you water in the morning the chlorine in the water could harm the plant. just what the plant needs. Watering in the morning also gives the plant time to dry out, reducing the risk of fungal infections that develop in damp areas.
of them†Fertilization
Fertilizing the prayer plant is also very important. You can dilute a liquid feed to get what is recommended and feed the plant every 2 weeks.
3†put it well
Like many houseplants, the prayer plant benefits from well-drained potting soil, you can also add about 25% sand to allow for drainage. The plant can also grow in soil with a pH of 5.5.
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The size of the leaves is also very important, the leaves do not have a very long wingspan so it is noticeable when they get tired. You can prune them about 3 times a year to keep them in shape.
5†watch out for the leaves
The leaves of prayer plants are quite delicate, so they can be attracted to pests such as spider mites, scale insects, aphids, etc. Brown spots, leaves curling up when you water, residue on the leaves are all signs to look out for, when you see all of this. these, it’s time to rape your plant and get rid of these pests.
6.it’s not toxic
Unlike other houseplants, the prayer plant is not toxic to humans or pets. The only damage that can be done is the plants.
Plant Care FAQs
Where can I buy a prayer plant?
It is not common for stores to keep and sell prayer plants because they may not be able to provide the adequate light, heat, and humidity that the plant needs. It is best to contact a specialist grower, so that you can choose the variety you want.
How can I give it new life?
There are so many things that can make the prayer plant unhealthy. However, if you catch the problem early, you can revive it. If the leaves turn yellow, the solution is to water or feed less. if the problem is that they do not open, the light they receive is not sufficient. If it fades, give it less light. Chemicals in the water, especially tap water, can make the plant unhappy, so you might want to adjust that too.
Will the prayer plant bloom?
Yes! Prayer plants produce flowers, they are white and purple in color, but they are small in size. And although some people call them insignificant, they still stand out.
How often should I water my plant?
There is no specific watering routine, your watering schedule will depend on pot size, ambient temperature and weather. however, the prayer plant cannot tolerate dry soil, so water when the topsoil appears dry. You need to keep an eye on your plant and adjust the watering schedule to your liking.
Are prayer plants easy to grow?
Prayer plants are very easy to grow, but like many other plants, they require specific care. And failure to adhere to this care will result in an unhealthy plant.
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final thoughts
Like many houseplants, knowing and understanding the care of each plant will create a healthy relationship between you and your plant.
It’s important to remember that there are different types of prayer plants, and because they’re different, their needs are also slightly different, so pay attention to what each one needs. You can also seek advice from a plant specialist to take care of your species.
Learn more about indoor plants:
- Croton Plant: The Complete Guide to Growing and Care (2021)
- The 20 Most Colorful Houseplants To Get Today
- The 14 Best Indoor Fruit Trees to Plant in 2021
- Best Humidifiers for Closets and Grow Rooms 2021