Prayer plant (Maranta lietzei)

Prayer plant

The patterned leaves on prayer plant make it a popular houseplant, along with the unique characteristics it shares with other plants in the genus. The leaves fold up in low light, similar to how hands look folded in prayer. It’s also why it is sometimes called a prayer plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Prayer plant (Maranta lietzei)

Gingers, bananas, and allies

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Green, Yellow, Variegated

Leaf Color

White

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Prayer plant

Care Guide for Prayer plant

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Prayer plant requires a moist environment and daily watering in spring and summer, with less than half a cup per week in winter. Water only when surface soil dries and prefer rainwater or distilled water. Avoid wetting leaves directly to prevent sunburn and fungal issues.

Fertilize: Prayer plant thrives in fertile soil, requiring diluted organic fertilizer every two weeks during spring and autumn. Optimal fertilization occurs in spring. Cease fertilization in extreme temperatures to prevent root rot. Signs of overfertilization include dry leaf tips and yellowing old leaves; adjust fertilization accordingly.

Pruning: Promptly remove old, yellow, dead, and diseased leaves from prayer plant to prevent nutrient depletion and to encourage the healthy growth of new foliage.

Propagation: Propagation of prayer plant can be done through division in spring by carefully separating ramets with roots and planting them in shallow pots. Alternatively, summer cuttings can be taken from young branches, planted in a peat-sand mix, and kept moist until roots develop in about 5 weeks.

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Learn More About Prayer plant

How to Transplant

How to Grow and Care

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