The Prayer Plant (Maranta) is an easy to grow houseplant that has beautiful coloured foliage and an interesting ritual.

 

The name Prayer Plant comes from the fact that every night the leaves fold like praying hands and in the morning they open up again to lay flat throughout the day. It does produce tiny tubular flowers but they are not showy and some people prefer to remove the flowers in favour the foliage.

 

There are different types of Prayer plants but the leaves tend to be oval shaped 10-15 cm long and have a colourful pattern on them. The leaves are mostly green and then there is different colour patterns and veining.

 

Originating from the rain forests of Brazil the Prayer plant requires high humidity, even temperatures, indirect light and even moisture. If the plant is given these requirements it will grow well and provide years of enjoyment.

 

Place the plant in an east or west facing window during the summer months. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaf tips to brown and fade the foliage.

 

Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing.

 

Over the winter months allow the surface of the soil to go slightly dry to the touch before giving the plant water.

 

Never allow the plant to go too dry as this can cause the leaves to curl or yellow.

 

High humidity is important to the plants health. Put it in the kitchen window or a bathroom where there is water being used. Placing plants in groups also raises the humidity, or put the plant on top of a large water filled pebble tray, to help raise the humidity. Another option would be to mist the plant daily.

 

Like most plants the Prayer plant prefers even temperatures. Regular house temperatures of 18-25 Celsius is good and keep the plant away from heat sources such as vents, and fireplaces, as well as cold drafts from doors that lead to outside. When giving the plant water, use water that is at room temperature.

 

The Prayer plant is a spreading plant that grows 25-30 cm tall. They make nice coffee table, or window sill plants or can be used as a hanging plant. It is shallow rooted making it a good plant to place in a terrarium. Terrariums would work well because the humidity tends to be higher in a terrarium. It is also a good choice for those shallow containers that other plants may not do well in.

 

Prayer plants are easily propagated by stem cuttings or division which is done in the spring when you are transplanting. A stem cutting should be 8-10 cm long with 3-4 leaves per stem.

 

The Prayer plant is a houseplant that can add beautiful colour to the home as well as movement. They are a good alternative to a flowering houseplant and would make a great gift. If you are purchasing it as a gift, you may want to buy two as you will want to keep one for yourself!

 

Have a Merry Christmas!