White-veined Prayer Plant

The White-veined Prayer Plant prefers moist soil, but it doesn’t want moist soil all the time; the soil should be allowed to dry out in between waterings. During winter, reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings and giving only shallow waterings. Do not let the plant sit in water, if it’s in a spot that tends to pool or flood; that can cause root rot.

White-veined Prayer Plants prefer bright indirect light, but will tolerate medium light. Avoid placing in direct hot sun that could burn the leaves. While they prefer bright light, they will still do well in lower light spots, as long as they can get some natural light throughout the day.

White-veined Prayer Plants appreciate a warm, humid, stable temperature. The optimum temperature should be around 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day and ranging between 60-68°F (15-20°C) overnight. They won’t tolerate temperatures below 55°F (13°C).

White-veined Prayer Plants like a higher humidity in the air, so if placed indoors, using a humidifier and/or lightly misting the leaves can help. Placing the pot on a tray filled with stones and a bit of water (make sure the pot won’t come in contact with the water) can also work, as the evaporation of the water will release humidity into the air.

White-veined Prayer Plants prefer a soil that’s rich in organic matter, which will be enough to provide the plant food until the roots fill the pot. Opt for a soil mix formulated for houseplants, or mix one part potting soil to one part peat moss. The soil should be well draining.

Fertilizing the White-veined Prayer Plant occurs during its growth periods and should be avoided during the rest period. The best fertilizer is a liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants, diluted to half strength. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. During dry periods, fertilizing is not necessary.

White-veined Prayer Plants may suffer from pests, mainly aphids and scale. Inspect your plant weekly to catch any pests as soon as possible, and quarantine any new plants before introducing them to other houseplants. To get rid of the pests, you can use natural predators such as ladybugs. Otherwise, you can use a neem oil spray. Repeat spraying every 3-4 days until the pests are gone.

The White-veined Prayer Plant usually needs to be repotted every two years, or when you notice the roots are starting to become pot bound, usually visible as roots nudging out of the drainage holes. Make sure to use fresh, well draining soil and a pot with good drainage holes to prevent overwatering.

While pruning is not necessary for the White-veined Prayer Plant, if its leaves start to appear pale or its growth is too long or too heavy, you can trim off any dead leaves or stems. Use sharp shears and be sure to sanitize them before and after trimming.

White-veined Prayer Plants don’t really need mulch, but if you decide to add some, opt for something organic. Coconut husk fibers, peat moss, bark nuggets, or leaves are all excellent options. Mulch serves to maintain soil moisture and protect the roots from temperature extremes.

White-veined Prayer Plants can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, and by collecting the tufts of runners. To propagate by division, take off a section with healthy roots from an existing plant. Make sure to provide some support for the plant after repotting. To propagate by stem cuttings, it is best to wait until the springtime to put the stem cutting in soil. For collecting the tufts of runners, wait until the soil is dry, and then carefully lift the tufts of runners and pot them in their own container.

Because of the unfolding stems, support is very important for the White-veined Prayer Plants. Avoid staking, as it can damage the plant. Instead, place the plant in a decorative pot, which can provide the support it needs and also add for visual appeal.

In the spring and summer the White-veined Prayer Plant should receive water and fertilizer regularly, but in the fall and winter it should receive only light waterings. During the rest period, the leaves may begin to yellow and the growth to slow. This is normal and nothing to worry about; simply start regular waterings and fertilizer in the spring again.

The White-veined Prayer Plant is not toxic to pets, so it is safe to keep around animals.