Caring and growing: the secret to a happy prayer plant

Prayer plants are the kind of plants that make you stop and stare. With their bold patterns, velvety leaves, and that magical habit of folding up at night like hands in prayer, they are full of charm. But while they might be pretty, they are not always the easiest. Don't worry, though. With the right tips (and a bit of humidity), you and your prayer plant can totally thrive together!

Get to know the prayer plant family

Prayer plants belong to the Marantaceae family and are grouped into four main types: Maranta, Calathea (Goeppertia), Ctenanthe, and Stromanthe. Each has its own personality, leaf shape, and colour palette, but they all share that signature folding leaf movement and a love for warmth and humidity.

Maranta – The Maranta is known for its bold and patterned leaves. Varieties like the Lemon Lime or the Leuconeura Fascinator are favourites for their herringbone patterns and vibrant colours. Marantas tend to grow low and wide and are a bit more forgiving than their cousins.

Calathea (Goeppertia) – Calatheas are all about statement leaves, with patterns that range from soft stripes to playful pops of colour. They are stunning but can be sensitive, especially to dry air and cold. Think of them as the diva of the group: high maintenance, but totally worth it!

Ctenanthe – Ctenanthe plants have long, narrow leaves with pretty stripes or soft, feathery patterns. They tend to grow a bit more upright than the others and are great for adding height and shape to your plant corner. They are also known for being slightly less dramatic.

Stromanthe – With their vibrant pinks, creams, and greens, Stromanthes (especially the Triostar) are true eye-catchers. They like bright, indirect light and higher humidity, and while they can be a little fussy, they are absolutely stunning when happy.

Whether you are into bold colour contrasts, soft pastels or velvety textures, there is a prayer plant for you!

Caring for your prayer plant

Sunshine needs

Prayer plants love bright but indirect light. Think: filtered light through a curtain or placed at a slight distance from a window. Too much direct sun can scorch those pretty leaves, and too little can make them leggy and sad. Morning sun is okay, but harsh afternoon light? Better skip it.

The more light your plant receives, the more energy it uses. That also means it will drink more water and appreciate a little extra nutrition.

Water with care

Here is where it gets a little tricky. Prayer plants like their soil to be consistently moist but never soggy. Let the top layer dry out slightly before watering again. And avoid tap water if you can. Distilled or rainwater is much kinder to their sensitive roots and can help prevent those dreaded brown tips. Use room-temperature water only!

Humidity, please!

These tropical plants feel happiest with plenty of humidity in the air. If your air is dry, especially in winter, your prayer plant might suffer. A humidifier works wonders, but grouping plants together, an occasional misting or placing a tray with water and pebbles underneath the pot helps too.

Warm and cosy

They like warmer temperatures (18-26°C is ideal) and hate sudden changes. Keep them away from drafts, radiators, and aircon units. Cold spots are a no-go for these tropical beauties!

Feeding time

During spring and summer, give your prayer plant a little boost with PLNTS nutrition every 2 to 4 weeks. Just check the label for the right amount and timing. It will help keep those leaves happy and vibrant! In autumn and winter, let them rest and skip the feed.

Soil and repotting

Prayer plants thrive in light, airy soil that drains well. Regular potting soil combined with perlite and, if you like, a bit of coco coir will keep the roots happy. They don’t mind being a bit snug in their pots, but if roots start peeking out or the plant dries out too quickly, it might be time for a new pot (preferably in spring).

Common issues

Even the prettiest prayer plants have their moody moments. Here is what to look out for and what it might mean.

• Brown tips? Usually caused by low humidity, tap water, or overfertilising.
• Curling leaves? Likely too dry or too much sun.
• Yellowing leaves? Can be from overwatering or lack of light.
• Drooping? Either thirsty or too wet. Have a quick look at the soil!
• Faded colour or crispy edges? Too much direct sun or dry air.

Propagation

Looking to grow your prayer plant family? The easiest way to grow your collection is by dividing the plant during repotting. Gently take the plant out of its pot and separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each one has healthy roots and a few strong stems. Pop them into fresh soil, give them some love and voilà, happy baby prayer plants ready to grow!

Pruning

Prayer plants don’t need regular pruning, but you can trim leggy stems or remove damaged leaves anytime. Prune just above a leaf node to encourage fuller growth.

Uninvited guests? Here’s how to keep pests away!

They are not super prone to pests, but spider mites and mealybugs might occasionally pop up. Look out for webbing or white fluff under the leaves. Treat with neem oil and isolate if needed.

A bit dramatic? Maybe...

Yes... just a little. They can be sensitive to change and picky about their care. But once you figure out what they need (think bright light, regular water and plenty of humidity), they are surprisingly forgiving. A crispy tip here or there? No stress! That doesn’t mean failure, just that you are learning to read your plant’s signals. And when they are happy? They will steal the spotlight with bold colours and their magical nightly leaf-folding ritual.

Ready to give one a try?

Explore our Prayer Plant collection and find your perfect match!