Want a low-maintenance yet magnificent houseplant? Learn 10 tips to grow a gorgeous prayer plant indoors with lush, vibrant growth.
Maranta leuconeura, or the Prayer Plant, with its patterned leaves, folds up at night like hands in prayer and is one of the most magnificent and air-purifying houseplants you can grow. Coming from Brazil’s tropical forests, it loves warm and humid conditions. With little consideration, you can help it grow healthily. Here are smart tips!
Tips to Grow Prayer Plant
1. Gentle and Indirect Light
Prayer plants love bright and indirect light that replicates their natural habitat. Keep them near east or north-facing windows for best results. Avoid harsh sunlight because that can fade and burn their delicate leaves.
If your space is low-light, you can also use LED grow lights to keep your prayer plant thriving indoors.
2. The Right Amount of Water
These plants prefer consistently moist soil without being waterlogged. Water when the top tips feel dry using room-temperature water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Always use filtered or dechlorinated water if possible, because chemicals in tap water can cause leaf spots and browning edges.
3. Make it Humid
Now that we know prayer plants thrive in tropical conditions, they require humidity above 50%. Use pebble trays, group plants together, or get your buddies a humidifier. The perfect spot for such an environment would be bathrooms and kitchens.
Misting lightly in the mornings can also help, but avoid overdoing it as wet leaves may invite fungal issues.
4. Warmth in the Temperature
Prayer plants love hot weather. The temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C) is well-suited but keep in mind to place the plant away from drafts, heaters, and open windows, because sudden shifts in temperature can stress the plant and ultimately hamper growth.
5. Pick the Right Soil
These plants love soils that drain well but still hold some moisture. An alternative to add is peat moss or coco coir blended with perlite or sand. This will keep the roots from getting soggy, but still gives them enough water to breathe.
Adding a little orchid bark to the mix can improve aeration and mimic the loose forest floor they naturally grow in.
6. Fertilize but Lightly
Feed your prayer plant once a month during spring and summer with a diluted and balanced fertilizer. Skip fertilizing in winter when the growth slows. Avoid overfeeding because it can cause leaf burn and damage.
7. Rotate and Prune
Rotate your plant every few weeks so it grows evenly towards the light and doesn’t get leggy. Prune the yellow or dead leaves and pinch stems to encourage a bushier and healthier appearance.
Don’t throw away the healthy cuttings—you can use them for propagation.
8. Pests and Other Problems
Common issues include root rot, brown leaf tips, and pests like spider mites or aphids. Check your plant weekly and treat it early with neem oil or insecticidal soap in case of pests. Quick action prevents infestations.
Curling leaves usually mean your plant is thirsty or stressed from low humidity, so check conditions before panicking.
9. Repot Every Few Years
Prayer plants grow slowly and don’t need frequent repotting. But every 2–3 years, you should move them into a pot just one size bigger. This helps to refresh the soil and gives roots room to spread.
Choose a shallow but wide pot — prayer plants have shallow roots and spread more sideways than downwards.
10. Propagate
You can propagate your prayer plant by dividing roots or rooting stem cuttings in water or soil. Propagation not only creates new plants but also rejuvenates the parent plant.
With these 10 easy tips, you’ll see your friend blooming with vibrant growth, magnificent leaves, and a plant that adds beauty and life to your home. A little patience and consistency go a long way in making your prayer plant truly gorgeous. Tell us which step you are currently at.
