Species prayer plant

prayer plant

Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoviana

Also Known As - rabbit tracks
Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoviana) is a unique and beautiful houseplant with vibrant foliage. Its dark green oval or elliptical leaves feature light green to white feather-like patterns, making the plant look as if it is praying. During the night, its leaf-openings fold upward, as if it is bowing in prayer. Thriving in bright indirect light, it prefers a well-drained, constantly moist soil. During winter months, it should be watered less often. Praying plant attracts attention with its whole leaf range and pattern when planted in beautiful hanging planters.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

11

Flowers:

Not showy, White, Violet Flowers In Spring

Sun:

part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Tropical:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

watering

Prayer plants need to be kept moist without water-logging the soil. Aim for moist soil (not wet) and try to water your plant once a week, when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce the frequency of watering during the winter when the plant is dormant. If you find that the leaves are curling, you may need to water it more. If the leaves are wilting and turning yellow, you may need to reduce watering frequency.

sunlight

Prayer plant requires bright indirect sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day. This can be from a south or east-facing window, if available. If the natural light is not sufficient, you may supplement with an artificial light source such as an LED grow light that is within 10 inches of the plant. During the summer months, you may need to reposition the plant further away from the light source to prevent scorch or burned leaves. Protect your prayer plant from direct, hot sunlight to prevent sunburn and leaf discoloration.

pruning

Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoviana) should be pruned once every 3-4 months during the growing season (March to September). Pruning should be done carefully, as too much might damage the plant. Depending on how much of the plant you want to keep, pruning should involve removing no more than 1-third of the plant’s foliage. This can be done by snipping off the tips of the foliage or by removing whole leaves. This will help promote bushier growth and more vibrant foliage. Additionally, removing any yellowing or browning leaves can help keep the prayer plant looking lush and healthy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoviana, or prayer plant, typically begins to produce fruit in the months of June, July, and August.

Hardiness Map