Prayer Plant
Maranta spp.
Photo by siobhanjclarke (All rights reserved)
Full Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
13b
USDA zone
18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
70cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Prayer Plant
Prayer Plant Overview
Maranta is a genus of around 37 species of rhizomatous, evergreen perennials in the Marantaceae family. They are native to tropical regions of Central to Southern America and the West Indies. Many are cultivated for their large, oval-shaped, colourful and strikingly veined leaves, and their habit of curling their leaves up at night, leading to the common name, Prayer plant. They are tender and won't cope with freezing weather, so are usually grown indoors as houseplants in cool climates.
Common problems with Prayer Plant
How to propagate Prayer Plant
Seed
Sow seed when ripe, at a temperature between 13-18 degrees Celcius.
Division
Divide in spring. Remove stems with roots and replant to new areas.
Cuttings
Can be easily propagated from stem cuttings - simply remove cleanly from the mother plant, ensuring the cutting includes a node. Allow the wound to close and place on soil or in water and wait for roots to develop. Roots usually grow first to seek out water, followed by new leaves. This may take anywhere from a week to a few months.
Special features of Prayer Plant
Attractive leaves
Pot plant
Indoor plant
Other uses of Prayer Plant
Grown for their distinctively patterned, coloured foliage.