Plant Profile: Prayer Plant
How to Grow and Care for Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): A Guide for the Slightly Over-committed NC Gardener
This is legitimately one of my personal all-time faves (I know I say that a lot) But seriously, I’ve spent years trying to figure out how to keep these guys happy and I feel like I’ve finally cracked the code and have two varieties currently THRIVING. Read on if you’ve struggled with prayer plant!
If you’ve ever wanted a houseplant that responds to your presence like an emotionally supportive friend, the prayer plant is for you. Native to the tropics and blessed with Instagram-worthy foliage, this little drama queen folds its leaves up at night like it’s praying, then unfurls them during the day. And just like some of our relatives, it’s stunning, high-maintenance, and a little too sensitive to change.
Welcome to our continuing indoor plant series! If you caught my last posts on succulents and aloe, you’ll know we’re slowly building a jungle that doubles as a personality trait. Today’s installment? The delightfully temperamental prayer plant, a must-have for any NC gardener who wants their plants to be as extra as their weather.
What Is a Prayer Plant Anyway?
The prayer plant, or Maranta leuconeura, hails from the tropics of Brazil and brings serious botanical flair with its vivid, veined leaves that come in hues of deep green, lime, and even pink. It gets its nickname from its nightly habit of folding its leaves upward like hands in prayer—adorable, right?
But here's the thing: prayer plants are not casual. They’re not just hanging out waiting for you to over-water them. They need attention. And they will let you know—visibly—when you’ve messed up.
So let’s dive into how to keep this leafy diva happy in your North Carolina home.
Light: Dappled, Not Dramatic
Prayer plants want light, but not too much. Think filtered, like the kind that sneaks through a window with sheer curtains or from a north- or east-facing window.
Avoid: Direct sunlight. In NC, that sun hits hard—especially in the summer—and will scorch those gorgeous leaves faster than you can say, “I thought you liked sun!”
Ideal spot: Near a window, but not in it. A spot with bright, indirect light is the sweet spot. Too little light and you’ll notice those leaves losing color or refusing to open up during the day. Drama.
Watering: Moist but Not Mushy
Prayer plants want consistency—like a sitcom character who orders the same thing every episode. They don’t want bone-dry soil, and they don’t want to drown. They want the soil to stay slightly moist at all times.
Tip: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. If you’re the kind of NC gardener who kills plants with love (aka too much water), back off a bit.
Warning signs:
Brown tips? Possibly under-watering or low humidity.
Yellowing leaves? Possibly over-watering or poor drainage.
Pro move: Use distilled or filtered water if you live somewhere with hard tap water. Prayer plants are picky about their hydration source. Think bougie spa, not rusty garden hose.
Humidity: Yes. All of It.
Prayer plants are children of the rain forest. They like it wet—atmospherically speaking. If your house is drier than a Saltine in January, your prayer plant will sulk. My two that are thriving are in the bathroom. I truly believe the shower steam nightly is what’s making the difference!
Solutions for low humidity:
Group it with other plants to create a mini jungle vibe.
Place a humidity tray underneath (a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles).
Run a humidifier nearby. Your skin will thank you too.
Temperature: Warm and Cozy, Please
As an NC gardener, you’re no stranger to weather that swings wildly between seasons—or days. Keep your prayer plant indoors where it won’t be subject to drafts, cold windows, or the mood swings of an HVAC unit.
Ideal range: 65°F to 80°F
No thank you zone: Below 60°F or near heat/AC vents
Feeding: Not a Heavy Eater, But Still Hungry
Prayer plants appreciate a little snack every now and then. Feed them with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer. Skip the fall and winter feedings—this is their chill time.
Re-potting and Soil: Light and Well-Draining
Use a soil mix that’s airy and fast-draining. A regular houseplant mix with a bit of added perlite or orchid bark will do just fine.
Re-potting schedule: Every 2–3 years or when it becomes root bound. You’ll know when it’s time if water runs straight through or roots start peeking out of the bottom.
Common Problems (and How to Respond Without Panicking)
1. Leaf Curling or Folding During the Day
Check light and water. Too much sun or too little water can cause the leaves to go into permanent prayer mode.
2. Brown Leaf Tips
Low humidity or salty water. Try filtered water and crank that humidifier.
3. Yellow Leaves
Probably over-watering. Let the top inch dry out before watering again.
4. Spider Mites or Mealybugs
Annoying but manageable. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap.
Beginner Tips for NC Gardeners Bringing Prayer Plants Indoors
Be consistent with watering and light.
Don’t expect perfection—they’re dramatic but resilient.
Don’t be afraid to prune! If your plant gets leggy or sad-looking, trim it back to encourage new growth.
Why Prayer Plants Are Worth the Effort
Sure, they might be a little demanding. But so are all the best things in life. With a little attention and some patience, your prayer plant can become one of the most stunning and rewarding houseplants in your NC garden (okay, technically your living room—but it counts).
And hey—if you’re deep into building your indoor garden, stay tuned. We’ve got more plant profiles coming soon, from pothos to philodendron, all tailored for life in North Carolina.
