Know about prayer plant

Maranta leuconeura (prayer plant) is a species of flowering plant in the family Marantaceae, native to the Brazilian Rainforest. It is a variable, rhizomatous perennial, growing to 30 cm (12 in) tall and broad, with crowded clumps of evergreen, strikingly-marked oval leaves, each up to 12 cm (5 in) long. The leaves have a habit of lying flat during the day, and folding in an erect position at night, hence the common name "prayer plant".

The specific epithet leuconeura means "white-veined", referring to the leaves.

Prayer plants are native to the rainforests of Brazil, so they thrive in warm humid conditions and are considered an “indoor” plant here in Canada. They get their name from the way they fold their leaves together as darkness approaches, which makes them look like they’re praying. With vibrant pink and green foliage, accompanied by little white flowers on spikes, prayer plants are an attractive species.

Here are the basics for taking care of a prayer plant:

Light

A prayer plant enjoys medium (not direct) light. Bright, filtered light and morning light is ideal. Place it away from a south window because the colours in the leaves will fade if they are exposed to direct light.

Watering

Keep the soil moist for most of the year, but allow the top few inches to dry out during the winter in order to give its metabolism a break. Occasionally mist its leaves with room temperature water and/or place its container on top of a tray of pebbles and water. Prayer plants need high humidity in order to bloom.

Soil

A light, fluffy potting soil consisting of peat moss, loam and perlite works well for prayer plants. Perlite can be replaced by coarse sand; and peat moss replaced by coir. The soil needs to be well-draining, yet remain damp.

Container

Prayer plants have shallow roots and prefer pots that are wider, rather than taller. Plastic or wood pots are ideal, since ceramic pots absorb water. They should also be planted nearly level with the top of their container, because they become susceptible to mold and disease if there is not enough air circulation. Prayer plants should be re-potted each spring using fresh potting mix.

Fertilizing

Frequently fertilize during the growing season (all summer). If adequately fertilized, the plant will eventually bloom.