I will never forget the day I discovered that my prayer plant folded up its leaves at night, it felt magical. The next morning it would unfurl again, full of life. That is also the first time I realized that I had absolutely no clue how to take care of a prayer plant. Initially, all of this seemed so confusing: Was I giving my plant too much water? Not enough? Why were the ends of my plant’s leaves browning? After some trial and error (a lot of mistakes) I came up with a very simple routine that seems to work. Hopefully this can help you, too, if you’re still trying to figure things out.
What is Special About Prayer Plants?
First of all, I am sure many of you know that prayer plants are known for the beautiful, multi-colored designs on their leaves. What I believe is truly special about these plants, however, is the nightly motion of their leaves. This motion is called nyctinasty. I do not really refer to it as nyctinasty myself, I call it the plant’s personality. They are both beautiful and dramatic. They tend not to die quietly; instead they make a big fuss about it. I find that if you understand how to take care of a prayer plant properly, it will be a whole lot easier to get along with it.
How Much Light Do Prayer Plants Need?
Light was one of the first things I got wrong. I thought that more sunlight = better growth. Nope.
Prayer plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight, particularly through a south-facing window, can damage the leaves and wash away those beautiful designs. Too little light, on the other hand, slows the growth rate of your plant.
My plant is currently sitting in front of a window that has a sheer curtain. I’ve found that this arrangement gives my plant enough light to remain vibrant, but doesn’t give it too much direct sun. If your plant is looking wilted or stretched out, it may be asking for a new location.
How to Water a Prayer Plant
Watering was the biggest challenge I faced. I either drowned it, or forgot about it, no in-between.
You should aim to keep the soil slightly moist, but not soaked. I check the top inch of soil with my finger. If the soil feels dry, I water. Easy, but effective.
One of the hardest things I learned about taking care of my plant was that prayer plants can be finicky about the quality of the water. Sometimes tap water will cause the tips of the leaves to turn brown on my plant, especially when I’m inconsistent. Using filtered water has helped to minimize this problem. While it’s not necessary, I have found it helpful.
Why Humidity is Important for Prayer Plants
Humidity is one area where I strongly advise against ignoring your plant’s needs. Prayer plants thrive best in humid environments, an ideal range is around 50-60% or greater.
When I first acquired my plant, the humidity in the room I kept it in was quite low. As soon as I saw the edges of the leaves begin to develop a crispiness, I knew I had to increase the humidity. To do this, I grouped my plants together and would occasionally run a small humidifier in the vicinity. A pebble tray can also provide similar benefits. Within weeks, I began to notice a marked improvement in the overall health of my plant after increasing the humidity.
Which Type of Soil is Best for Prayer Plants?
Soil is another element of prayer plant care that I underestimated. You want to find a type of soil that retains enough moisture to support the plant’s roots, yet also allows for adequate drainage.
I use a mixture of regular potting soil, perlite, and either peat moss or coconut coir. The combination provides an environment that is conducive to healthy root growth while preventing waterlogged conditions.
Do not neglect to include drainage holes in your pot. I once purchased a decorative pot that did not have any drainage holes (what a bad mistake!), and the roots of my plant remained too wet. Needless to say, that did not end well.
Why is Your Prayer Plant Unhappy?
If your plant appears unhappy, it is probably due to a minor adjustment that you need to make.
Typically, browning at the tips of the leaves indicates low humidity or the presence of minerals in the water. Yellow leaves indicate overwatering (something I’ve done more times than I can count). Curled leaves suggest that your plant is either underwatered or exposed to dry air. Finally, if the color of your plant begins to fade, it could be that the light it is receiving is too intense.
The good news is that prayer plants are resilient. They recover quickly once you address the issues affecting them. While prayer plants can certainly be dramatic, they are also relatively forgiving.
How to Encourage Your Prayer Plant to Grow
Initially, I did not consider fertilizer to be essential. However, I now realize that it does help, provided that you do not overdo it.
In the spring and summer months, I fertilize my plant every four weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. During the winter months, I do not fertilize it at all.
As I’ve learned through my own experimentation, less is definitely more when it comes to fertilizing. Overfertilization can put unnecessary stress on your plant, thereby hindering its ability to grow.
Some Additional Tips for Taking Care of a Prayer Plant
There are several additional practices that I’ve developed that have greatly simplified my care routine.
Every week or two, I rotate my plant to ensure that it receives even amounts of light. Dust can accumulate on the leaves, which hinders the plant’s ability to absorb light. Gently wiping the leaves with a damp cloth can prevent this buildup. Every year or so, I repot my plant into a larger container since it tends to outgrow its original space.
Finally, I recommend avoiding placing your plant in drafty areas. I once placed my plant in front of a window that was partially open during the colder months, and it reacted almost immediately.
