The prayer plant is an exquisite houseplant that thrives in humid conditions but is somewhat light-sensitive. Prayer plants, like many other plants, are native to the tropics and will help clean the air of harmful gasses and toxins. Continue reading for more information on the benefits of prayer plants and how to care for this interesting houseplant.
What Are Prayer Plants?
Maranta leuconeura is the botanical name for the prayer plant. It is a member of the Marantaceae family, which includes ‘arrowroot.’ It is a low-growing plant native to Central and South America, primarily in the Brazilian rainforests. They are distinguished by their large, smooth, oval-shaped leaves with intricate patterns.
Prayer Plants prefer small pots with shallow root systems, such as half pots or flat pots. Ideal for small kitchens or bathrooms! The Maranta plant, when properly cared for, is one of the most beautiful indoor plants you can grow.
Why Is It Called a Prayer Plant?
The light-green leaves fold upwards as dusk approaches, giving the plant the appearance of praying before returning to their normal horizontal position during the day. This movement allows prayer plants in the rainforest to collect rainfall in their folded leaves and direct it towards their roots.
Types of Prayer Plants
Some of the most common types of prayer plants you’re likely to come across when shopping are:
● Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura ‘erythroneura’): This prayer plant has “super beautiful Fuchsia pinstripes on the top of the leaves and the underside is this really great bright purple,” according to Gubler.
● Lemon Lime Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura’marisela’): Lemon Lime Prayer Plants have the same visible veins as Red Prayer Plants, but they are a lighter green/white color.
● Green Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): Green Prayer Plants, also known as rabbit’s foot plants, have smaller veins and darker green spots on the tops of their leaves than other varieties.
Prayer Plant Benefits
The Prayer Plant is bright and tropical, and it will lift your spirits when you see it in your home. There’s no denying that its bright color boosts your mood. Plants have been shown to improve our mental health and make us feel more grounded.
1. Symbolism
The upright folding leaves of the prayer plant resemble folded hands in prayer. This feature of the prayer plant represents gratitude. It also represents gratitude and thankfulness when given as a gift. It is thought to bring positive energy and good luck in some cultures.
2. Absorbs Pollutants
According to a NASA clean air study, some houseplants reduce pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene in the surrounding air. However, the prayer plant was not included in the list; it is still very likely to remove these pollutants as well. According to CNBC, indoor air pollution can be even more harmful than outdoor air pollution!
3. Prayer Plants Reduce Stress
Houseplants like prayer plants have a calming effect that makes people feel less stressed and anxious. This is because when we interact with plants, our sympathetic nervous system calms, lowering our diastolic blood pressure and producing an overall feeling of well-being. Reduced stress and anxiety allow people to focus better and become more productive.
4. Ease of Maintenance
Urban dwellers already have a lot on their plates, so it’s no surprise that they prefer houseplants that require little attention. The prayer plant is a low-maintenance houseplant that doesn’t require much attention. The Prayer plant requires only bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and high humidity to thrive.
5. Prayer Plants Require Little Space
Because their roots do not go deep, prayer plants prefer shallow pots. Most varieties also do not grow very large. Typical height is 10-12 inches (25.4-30.5 cm) and spread 15-18 inches when fully fanned out (38-45.7 cm). As a result, they make a delightful statement piece even in small living or working spaces.
6. Prayer Plants Have Eye-Catching Foliage
They are resistant domestic plants that tend not to outgrow the spaces in which they are planted, in contrast to similar domestic plants that must be transplanted or moved frequently. Prayer plants have varied foliage but do not produce showy flowers, making them suitable as low-key ornamental pieces.
How To Grow Prayer Plants in Indoors
Prayer Plants are generally simple to grow at home. Here, we’ll talk about a few important things you should do. Prayer plants do best in conditions like those in a temperate greenhouse, which means that the daytime temperatures should be mild to warm and the soil should be moist as much as possible.
● Prayer plants thrive in moist, well-drained soils. Despite their preference for a tropical environment, prayer plants are rewarding to grow and require little care.
● Grow a prayer plant in low, medium, or high light conditions. In bright light, use a transparent curtain or another filter to shield the leaves from direct sunlight.
● Water the prayer plant just as the soil surface begins to dry. This hardy houseplant prefers to be kept moist (but not soaked all the time). If the leaves dry out too much or too frequently, they may turn brown.
● The prayer plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. Only once or twice a year (ideally in the spring or summer) is sufficient to keep you healthy. If you want, you can fertilize it more frequently. Use any houseplant fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.
● The prayer plant prefers higher humidity levels but grows well in most homes. If the air in your home is particularly dry in the winter, increasing the humidity around your prayer plant will make you feel better.
Best Location for Your Prayer Plant
Prayer plants can be grown in planters or hanging baskets. They are not particular about where they are placed, but they should not be exposed to direct sunlight. While prayer plants prefer to be warm, too much sun can scorch and dry out the plant’s leaves. Bright – but indirect – light is best, and when in doubt, remember that prayer plants can thrive in low-light environments.
If you must grow your prayer plant in direct sunlight, try to protect its leaves by hanging a sheer curtain or other types of sunscreen. They should ideally be located in a room that faces south or west. This will allow light to reach the plant while avoiding direct sunlight exposure. As your plants reach for more light, they will grow rich and green without getting skinny or long.
Common Prayer Plant Problems
Prayer plants are very simple to care for, but there are a few guidelines you should follow to ensure that your plant thrives. The following are some issues you may encounter while caring for your prayer plant.
Humidity Deficiency
Because prayer plants originated in the rainforest, they require a high level of humidity to thrive. The plant’s leaves will turn brown if the humidity is too low. Put a humidifier in the room where your prayer plant is or leave a dish of water next to it to add humidity.
Too Much or Too Little Water
When watering plants, keep an eye on the compost and ensure it’s moist. Prayer plants are susceptible to drought and can die if they become dehydrated, so it’s critical that the soil never dries out.
Allow the plant pot to drain thoroughly afterward so that your plant does not sit in water. Reduce the amount of watering in the winter, but don’t let the compost completely dry out.
Pests
If you leave your prayer plant outside or grow it in your garden, it may be vulnerable to pests such as spider mites, mealy bugs, and aphids. If you notice anything out of the ordinary on your plant’s leaves, such as spider webs, white, powdery, fluffy substances, or strange spotting, use a natural pesticide to get rid of the pests. Plant your prayer plants with enough space between them to allow adequate airflow and prevent pests and diseases from taking root.
Keep an eye on your plants and inspect them on a regular basis (perhaps during feeding or watering periods) for any signs of disease or pests. These problems usually appear unexpectedly, so being vigilant can help you detect them early and limit further damage.
Conclusion
Prayer plants are popular because of their unique leaf structure and carefree nature, making them ideal houseplants. What’s great about them is that they’re generally low maintenance and will thrive in most home living environments with a little due care and attention. Please keep the soil evenly moistened.
Prayer plants are also excellent air purifiers, removing toxic chemicals and improving your breathing, sleep, and mental clarity. Finally, they are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial.
