Green Prayer Plant

The prayer plant requires evenly moist soil at all times, but it should never be over or under watered. Water the plant regularly with lukewarm water and allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering may cause root rot, so allow the plant to dry out between waterings.

The Green Prayer Plant varieties thrive best when exposed to bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause burning or sunscald of the leaves. Colors of the leaves may fade when exposed to too much direct lighting. A south or east-facing window is the ideal location for the plant to receive adequate, indirect sunlight.

The Green Prayer Plant is a tropical-in-origin species of houseplant, and thus enjoys humid and warm conditions. Consider maintaining temperatures of 65-80°F (18-27°C) for optimal growth and health.

The ideal humidity range for a Green Prayer Plant is between 40-50%. To create optimal conditions for your Green Prayer Plant it is important to mist regularly and also place the plant on a drinking-water filled saucer within a tray of pebbles.

The Green Prayer Plant will thrive in a soil that is well draining, light, and contains good amounts of organic matter. Consider a potting mix that combines sphagnum peat, mulch, and a small amount of perlite. You can also amend the potting mix with compost or tree bark to improve drainage.

Fertilize your Green Prayer Plant with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with low humidity to avoid burning the roots. During the winter months, the plant should not need to be fertilized.

Green Prayer Plants are vulnerable to problems caused by common pests like spider mites, scales, mealyworms, and aphids. To prevent and treat infestations, is important to regularly inspect the plant and check for pests or eggs. Early detection is the key to successful pest prevention. Wear gloves when handling the plant and use rubbing alcohol or neem oil to get rid of pests. Neem oil is also beneficial in preventing future pest invasions.

The Green Prayer Plant should be re-potted at least once a year to ensure that it is getting the enough oxygen and nutrients. Repotting should be done in the spring or early summer when the plant is most actively growing. Select a pot that has a drainage hole and use a high-quality potting mix that is well draining and contains organic matter for best results.

The Green Prayer Plant will sometimes develop new leaves that appear stunted or deformed and these can be removed as soon as they appear. Pruning the damaged leaves and stems on the plant will also help maintain its shape, and will encourage a new, healthy and dense foliage.

Mulching the soil surrounding the Green Prayer Plant can help retain moisture and protect the roots from temperature extremes. Consider using shredded bark, wood chips, or compost to maintain healthy levels of moisture and nutrients.

The Green Prayer Plant can be easily propagated by cutting a leaf stem and then rooting it directly into the soil, or by taking a cutting from a mature plant and planting it in a separate container. There are five total parts to the plant stem, including two leaves and three nodes. Start with one of the two leaves and make sure that the nodes are placed into soil, as this will help with the root production.

The Green Prayer Plant usually does not require support, but if needed, use moss-covered sticks or bamboo to provide support for growing stems and leaves.

The Green Prayer Plant will enter a rest period when the temperature drops and light levels diminish. During this period, stop fertilizing and reduce watering and misting. Consider dimming or dimming the lights for 8 to 10 hours a day during the winter so that your plant will go in to a dormant state and be able to take a much-needed break from growing.

The Green Prayer Plant is only mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, although it is generally not a particularly dangerous houseplant.