Prayer Plant Care
Maranta leuconeura
A popular houseplant known for its decorative leaves that fold upward at night as if in prayer. It likes spots with bright but indirect light, high humidity and constantly moist (not wet) potting soil.
Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 10 °C / 50 °F
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
January
- Watering: As the top of the soil dries out (about 0.2-0.3 L/week), use water that has been left to stand.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. The plant is dormant.
- Pruning: Cut only yellowing or drying leaves.
- General care: To increase humidity, mist the leaves with water or use a humidity tray. Keep it away from radiators.
- Pests & diseases: Because of the dry air, check the undersides of the leaves for spider mites (Tetranychidae).
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
February
- Watering: As the top of the soil dries out (about 0.2-0.3 L/week).
- Pruning: Cut only dry leaves.
- General care: Keep humidity high. If signs of growth begin toward the end of the month, increase watering slightly.
- Pests & diseases: Continue checking for spider mites.
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
March
- Watering: When the soil begins to lose moisture (about 0.3-0.4 L/week).
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
- Pruning: If needed, prune to shape the plant.
- General care: It is the best time for repotting and for propagation by division.
- Pests & diseases: Check the new shoots for aphids (Aphidoidea).
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
April
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
- Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
- Pruning: Cut unwanted or weak shoots.
- Plant protection: If mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) are seen, clean them off by dabbing with alcohol on a cotton swab.
- General care: Growth accelerates, and light and water requirements increase.
- Pests & diseases: Leaf spots can be a sign of overwatering.
May
- Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Fertilizing: Every 2 weeks, half the label rate.
- Pruning: For a fuller look, the tips of long branches can be pinched out.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves regularly for pests.
June
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Fertilizing: Every 2 weeks, half the label rate.
- Pruning: Not required; only for aesthetic purposes.
- General care: Mist frequently to keep humidity high, especially in rooms where air conditioning is running.
- Pests & diseases: Continue checking for spider mites and mealybugs.
July
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
- General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
- Pests & diseases: Drying at the leaf tips is a sign of low humidity or chlorinated water.
August
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Fertilizing: Once a month, at half the label dose.
- General care: Growth begins to slow.
September
- Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Fertilizing: Once a month, at a diluted dose.
- Pruning: Remove only yellowing leaves.
- General care: Growth slows. Move it away from windows where nights may be cold.
- Pests & diseases: Observe the plant at the change of season.
- Frost risk: Keep the plant away from cold window areas at night.
October
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
- Fertilizing: From the end of the month, stop feeding.
- General care: Preparing for dormancy.
- Frost risk: Watch for cold drafts.
November
- Watering: As the topsoil dries (0.2-0.3 L/week).
- Fertilizing: Do not fertilize.
- General care: Since the radiators start running, humidifying (misting, humidity tray) is very important.
- Pests & diseases: The risk of spider mites increases.
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
December
- Watering: As the topsoil dries (0.2-0.3 L/week).
- Fertilizing: Do not fertilize.
- Pruning: Remove only dry leaves.
- General care: Full dormancy period. Focus on keeping humidity high.
- Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves regularly for spider mites.
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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