The prayer plant is a common houseplant and is known as a prayer plant due to it raising its leaves in a prayer motion during the evening. This plant requires indirect sunlight, high humidity and minimum temperatures of 15 ℃.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer
Bloom Time
30 cm to 38 cm
Plant Height
30 cm to 38 cm
Spread
Green, Red, White, Gray, Variegated, Silver
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
Brown
Fruit Color
White, Purple
Flower Color
Green, Gray, Silver
Stem Color
Non-dormant
Dormancy
Evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
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Distribution
Culture
Cultivars
Quickly Identify
Care Guide
FAQs
Common Diseases
Images of Prayer plant
Distribution of Prayer plant
Distribution Map
Prayer plant is native to Brazil, where it grows in tropical rainforests. It has been introduced in Colombia and Mexico's Gulf Coast, where it is sometimes grown as ground cover. Prayer plant is widely cultivated for use as a houseplant in the US.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Moist and swampy tropical forests
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Culture
Garden Use
Prayer plant is a common perennial with unique foliage. Prized for its appearance, it is used to create a bright, eye-catching visual effect. It is a good fit for tropical and semi-tropical gardens due to its need for warm, moist air, and is often planted with orchids, whose white blooms are set off in bright contrast against its green foliage.
Symbolism
Happiness, devotion, focus
Interesting Facts
Legend has it that the brown leopard-pattern on the prayer plant's leaves are left by an angel kissing the prayer plant when he came to earth. So everyone who sees or grows prayer plants will have a happy life.
Name Story
Prayer plant: The leaves adopt a very special habit in which they lie flat during the daytime while they stand up straight during the night time. It seems like the plant has the habit of praying before heading to bed, so it is called the prayer plant.
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Cultivars
There are several recognized cultivars of Prayer plant, including the following common varieties :
Water:
Thriving in humid tropical forests, prayer plant prefers consistent humidity and moderate moisture, requiring weekly watering. Typically grown indoors, it benefits from regular misting to maintain its vibrant foliage year-round, as proper humidity is essential for its health, avoiding waterlogged roots and dry spells.
Fertilize:
Fertilize prayer plant bi-weekly with diluted high nitrogen liquid fertilizer during spring and summer; reduce to monthly in fall and none in winter. Maintain evenly moist soil and high humidity. Water before fertilizing to prevent root burn, and flush soil if brown leaf tips occur.
Pruning:
Prayer plant thrives with proper pruning in early to late spring. Regularly remove dead leaves for healthier growth. Pinching back stems promotes bushiness and air circulation, reducing pest risks. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease and enhance appearance.
Propagation:
Prayer plant is a popular houseplant known for its unique foliage that folds at night. Propagate prayer plant by dividing root clumps during repotting, ensuring sections have roots and leaves. Use fresh soil and provide indirect light and consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Repotting:
Repot prayer plant every 3-4 years during spring to early summer in a slightly larger pot. After repotting, ensure bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil for optimal recovery, encouraging the distinctive folded leaves of prayer plant to remain 'praying'.
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