Maranta leuconeura aka Prayerplant
Taxonomy
Common names
Prayerplant, Ten Commandments, Banded ArrowrootHow to care for Prayerplant
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Prayerplant, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Prayerplant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Prayerplant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Prayerplant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Prayerplant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Prayerplant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
The Prayerplant does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Prayerplant should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Prayerplant’s native range is Central, South America and the Caribbean.
Flower
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Prayerplant blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia