If you’re the proud owner of a Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura), then you already know this beauty has a lot to offer and is one of the most gorgeous houseplants you can own. With its beautiful, brightly patterned leaves and fascinating habit of folding them up at night (like hands in prayer, hence the name!), it’s no wonder this plant is a favourite among indoor gardeners. But even the best indoor house plants can be divas, and the Prayer Plant has its demands. Whether you're a new plant parent or a seasoned green thumb, you've probably run into a few hiccups with this tropical stunner. Fear not! We’re here to troubleshoot some common Prayer Plant problems and get your leafy friend looking like one of the best house plants around!
Droopy Leaves = Sad Prayer Plant
Have you ever walked into the room only to find your Prayer Plant looking like it's in the middle of a meltdown? Droopy leaves are the plant’s way of telling you something is off.
The Culprit: Watering woes! Underwatering is usually the main cause, but overwatering can also be guilty. Imagine the Prayer Plant is Goldilocks: it wants its water just right - not too much, not too little.
The Solution: Check the soil. If it feels dry, your plant is thirsty; give your houseplant a good drink, making sure to let excess water drain out. On the flip side, if the soil feels soggy, it’s time to let it dry out a bit. Moving forward, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Crispy, Brown Leaf Tips, The Prayer Plant’s Bad Hair Day
Your Prayer Plant’s leaves should be lush and vibrant, but sometimes those tips turn brown and crispy. It’s like the plant equivalent of split ends!
The Culprit: Tropical houseplants like this diva often suffer from low humidity. They also have a sensitivity to chemicals in tap water, particularly fluoride, which can burn the leaf edges.
Solution: Boost the humidity! Create a mini tropical paradise. You can group your Prayer Plant with other pet-friendly house plants, use a humidity tray, or mist it regularly. And if you’re shopping for other plants online, consider adding a Peace Lily or Boston Fern, both air-purifying indoor house plants that also thrive in higher humidity.
Yellowing Leaves and a Midlife Crisis
If your Prayer Plant’s leaves are turning yellow, it’s waving a little yellow flag at you, something’s not quite right!
The Culprit: Overwatering or underwatering (yep, watering strikes again!). Sometimes, the issue might also be a lack of nutrients.
Solution: First, revisit your watering schedule. Too much or too little water is the usual suspect when it comes to yellowing leaves on common house plants like the Prayer Plant. If watering isn’t the issue, feed your plant a balanced fertiliser once a month during the growing season to keep it thriving alongside other air-purifying plants like your Snake plant or ZZ plant. Just be careful not to over-fertilise, Prayer Plants aren’t big eaters!
Leggy Growth is a Fashion Faux Pas
If your Prayer Plant looks like it’s trying to audition as a runway model with long, spindly stems, it’s time to assess its lighting.
The Culprit: Insufficient light. Prayer Plants do best in bright, indirect light. Insufficient light is a common challenge for indoor plants in the UK during shorter winter days, which can leave them growing long, spindly stems.
Solution: Move your Prayer Plant to a brighter location, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch those delicate leaves, and we definitely don’t want that! If you’re short on natural light, consider a grow light, which can also support other low-light-tolerant hanging plants, such as a Spider plant.
Curling Leaves are an SOS Call
When your Prayer Plant’s leaves start curling inwards, it’s like they’re sending an SOS.
The Culprit: This usually happens because the plant is too cold, too dry, or both. Remember, Prayer Plants are tropical divas, they like it warm and humid!
Solution: Start by checking the temperature. Your Prayer Plant prefers temps between 18-24°C. If it’s too cold, consider moving it to a warmer spot. Also, crank up the humidity. You can do this by misting, using a humidity tray, or adding other tropical large indoor plants, like a Kentia Palm or Swiss Cheese plant, which can help create a humid microclimate for all your leafy companions.
Pests Putting Your Plant to the Test
Sometimes, even the most pampered Prayer Plants get unwanted visitors like spider mites or mealybugs.
The Culprit: Dry air and lack of air circulation can invite these pests. Spider mites love dry conditions, while mealybugs might show up if your plant is a little stressed.
Solution: If you spot these tiny pests, act fast! For spider mites, try giving your plant a good rinse in the shower to knock them off. For mealybugs, wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. To prevent future infestations, keep the humidity up, and make sure your houseplants have good air circulation. Regularly check your plant for any signs of pests, especially during the dry winter months.
Love and Patience Go a Long Way
Caring for a Prayer Plant can feel a bit like tending to a moody but ultimately lovable friend. They might be a little fussy, but with the right care, they’ll reward you with vibrant, happy leaves that move and dance to the rhythm of the day. So, embrace the journey, and remember: every plant parent makes mistakes. What matters is learning, adjusting, and keeping that playful spirit alive!
Dreaming of a plant paradise? Explore our wide collection of houseplants, from virtually unkillable and artificial plants to rare and unusual varieties. Whether you're looking for easy-to-care-for plants, air-purifying champions, or large and tall statement pieces, we have something for everyone. Shop our collection today!