The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) has captured the attention of houseplant enthusiasts with its striking foliage and unique habit of folding its leaves upward at night. This movement, resembling hands clasped in prayer, gives the plant its common name and adds to its appeal. As owners seek to understand and propagate this popular tropical perennial, a common question arises regarding the nature of its underground structure and whether it possesses corms. This distinction between the different types of storage organs is important for proper care and successful propagation.
What Is the Difference Between a Corm and a Rhizome
Corms and rhizomes are both types of modified plant stems that grow underground, but they differ significantly in structure and growth pattern. A corm is a swollen, solid stem base used for storing nutrients, and it typically grows vertically, protected by a dry, papery outer layer, much like a crocus or a gladiolus. In contrast, a rhizome is a horizontal, underground stem that is generally more elongated and grows sideways beneath the soil surface. Rhizomes function not only for nutrient storage but also as a primary means of vegetative reproduction, allowing the plant to spread. They produce roots downward and shoots upward from nodes along the stem’s length, exemplified by plants like ginger or canna lilies.
The Underground Structure of the Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant does not develop true corms; instead, it is a rhizomatous perennial. Its underground structure is characterized by fleshy rhizomes that produce numerous tubers, which are small, swollen portions of the roots or rhizomes. These tuberous structures are often mistaken for corms because they serve a similar function of storing water and starch. They appear as knobby, pale swellings attached to the root system, providing a reserve of energy. The plant spreads horizontally using these rhizomes, sending up new shoots and roots from the nodes.
Dividing and Propagating Prayer Plants
The presence of rhizomes and tuberous roots directly dictates the most effective method for propagating the Prayer Plant, which is division. This technique ensures a high success rate because the new sections already have an established root system. The process involves gently removing the mature plant from its pot to expose the root ball and the underground structures. You must carefully identify natural divisions within the clump, ensuring that each new section has healthy roots, stems, and at least one tuberous root or rhizome segment attached. A clean, sharp tool can be used to separate the sections through the root mass. Each division is then potted individually in a well-draining mix, allowing the plant to establish itself quickly using the food reserves in the attached storage organs.