How to Grow Prayer Plants as Houseplants

Prayer crops (Goeppertia spp. and cvs., syn. Calathea spp. and cvs., Zones 9–11) are arguably among the many most beautiful houseplants you possibly can add to your assortment. Although they arrive in many various shapes and kinds, they’re identified for his or her distinctive foliage. The geometric, braidlike ­sample on the leaves appears to be like virtually painted on. Prayer crops are additionally notable for the motion of their foliage all through the day in a course of often known as nyctinasty. Like most crops within the Marantaceae household, they transfer their leaves up at evening and decrease them within the daytime in accordance to a circadian rhythm. Although the genus Calathea was just lately reclassified as Goeppertia, you’ll nonetheless see them labeled as the previous at most backyard facilities and on-line. Right here are some things to know when caring for these stunning however finicky crops.

Suggestions for Rising Prayer Vegetation

Present oblique mild and excessive humidity 

Prayer crops want vivid however oblique mild to thrive; direct solar will trigger the leaves to burn. These crops can tolerate decrease mild situations indoors, however they require a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of oblique mild to take care of their vivid coloration and patterning. Prayer crops develop greatest in humid environments. Take into account planting yours in a sub-irrigated planter or setting it on a pebble tray with water to extend the humidity across the plant. Frequent misting in winter also can assist enhance the relative humidity quickly.

Maintain the soil moist 

These are water-loving crops that desire consistency in soil moisture. Their soil ought to by no means be allowed to completely dry out. Prayer crops could be delicate to among the minerals and chemical therapies present in faucet water and can exhibit browning alongside the perimeters of the leaves if they’re uncovered to an excessive amount of of them. Take into account watering with filtered water in the event you’re not sure in regards to the salt and mineral content material of your faucet water. These are splendidly expressive crops; if the soil is just too dry, the leaves will curl ­inward, indicating that it’s time for a drink. They’re very resilient and usually bounce again from brief droughts if they’re watered adequately. 

Three prayer plant species steal the present 

Pinstripe prayer plant is a colourful basic 

G. ornata (syn. C. ornata), Zones 9–11

This darkish burgundy species is named pinstripe prayer plant for the intense pink stripes that run alongside broad, flat leaves. It might probably run on the bigger facet at 3 ft tall and large, which helps to point out off the gorgeous reddish coloring on the underside of the leaves.

Rattlesnake prayer plant tolerates neglect 

G. insignis (syn. C. lancifolia), Zones 9–11

This species is likely one of the hottest, and for good cause. The patterning of its leaves is unparalleled, and it’s very resilient if underwatered or overwatered. Smaller than pinstripe prayer plant, it’ll attain 1 to 2 ft tall and large.

Peacock prayer plant has contrasting foliage 

G. makoyana (syn. C. makoyana), Zones 9–11

This stunner’s foliage is vivid and daring. The patterning appears to be like notably painted on, and the underside of the leaves displays unimaginable pink and purple hues that distinction with the inexperienced shades on the highest of the leaves. This species will max out at 2 ft tall and large.

What’s Consuming your Prayer Plant?

Spider mites love prayer crops. You’ll be able to acknowledge an infestation by observing noticed or curling leaves, typically with webbing. The bugs themselves are extraordinarily small and is probably not seen to the bare eye. Often misting and wiping the leaves of your plant with a microfiber fabric will do wonders to maintain these pests at bay. You should definitely spray the underside of the leaves, the place pests typically cover. For intense infestations, contemplate an natural product corresponding to Mite-X or a horticultural oil.

Rebecca Bullene is the cofounder of Greenery Limitless, a Brooklyn-based and on-line plant store.