Plant Bio
This young Maranta leuc. Amabilis Mint has the most charming foliage. It is commonly known as a prayer plant because the leaves have an unusual habit: they are able to close up at night! The process is called nyctinasty and the purpose is to catch as much light as possible, then close for protection as the light fades.
During the growing season, water frequently and never allow the potting soil to dry out. Water the prayer plant when the top of the potting soil is just starting to become dry. These plants are very susceptible to drought; however, to avoid fungal problems, do not let water sit directly on the leaves or let the plant get soggy. Insufficient water and overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop from the plant. When watering, use water that is at least at room temperature if not slightly warm. In the winter months, reduce watering.
A prayer plant prefers normal household temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures can damage the leaves. Prayer plants prefer a very humid environment and the humidity in homes is often too low. Use one of the following methods to increase humidity levels: place a small humidifier or bowl of water near the plant, fill a tray with small stones and add water just to the level of the stones and place the pot on top of the stones, or mist the leaves with room temperature or warm water.
Fertilize your prayer plant every two weeks from early spring through fall. Dilute a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (10-10-10) to half strength. If you use too little fertilizer, your plant will grow slowly or hardly at all. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots—leaves will start to brown and you can even kill the plant. Reduce fertilizing to once a month or so in the winter.