Prayer Plant (Marantaceae) is a popular houseplant known for its striking foliage that folds upwards at night, resembling praying hands.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect
50% intensity
Prefers dappled light; direct sun will scorch leaves.
Keep moist
75% intensity
Avoid drying out completely, but do not overwater.
Well-draining potting mix
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C; avoid drafts and sudden changes.
Greenhouse
50% intensity
Light
25% intensity
Feed monthly during growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Maintain consistently moist soil, avoiding waterlogged conditions. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months, but never let the soil dry out completely.
Use distilled or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup on leaves.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves promptly by cutting them at the base. Pinch back leggy stems to promote new branching. Pruning can be done year-round as needed.
Propagate by stem cuttings or division. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy stems and root them in water or moist potting mix.
Divisions can be made during repotting, separating the root ball into smaller sections with at least one leaf each.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring for optimal growth.
Handle the roots gently during the process.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Prayer Plant (Prayer plant)
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Species | Prayer Plant |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
