Prayer plants, scientifically known as Maranta leuconeura, are popular houseplants admired for their distinctive foliage and captivating daily movement. Their leaves lie flat during the day and then fold upwards at night, resembling hands in prayer, which gives them their common name. These tropical perennials, native to the Brazilian rainforests, are low-growing and spread outward, making them an appealing choice for indoor settings. Growing these plants in Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) offers an alternative approach to traditional soil mediums.
Understanding LECA for Prayer Plants
LECA consists of small, baked clay balls that are porous and lightweight. Produced by heating natural clay, these pellets expand and develop a porous structure. This inert medium provides enhanced aeration around the roots and reduces the risk of overwatering, allowing roots to access ample oxygen for vigorous growth.
LECA is well-suited for prayer plants because it helps prevent root rot, a common issue in overly wet soil. The clay balls absorb and retain moisture, then gradually release it to the roots, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging. This consistent moisture and superior aeration create an environment where prayer plants thrive. Growing in LECA also offers a cleaner environment and can help reduce common soil-borne pests.
Transitioning Your Prayer Plant to LECA
Moving a prayer plant from soil to LECA requires careful steps. Begin by thoroughly rinsing LECA pellets until the water runs clear. After rinsing, soak the LECA in clean water for 24 to 48 hours to hydrate and leach out impurities.
Next, gently remove the plant from its pot, shaking off as much soil as possible. Rinse the roots under lukewarm water to remove any remaining soil. Thoroughly cleaning the roots is important, as any soil left can wick moisture and lead to root rot in the wet LECA environment. Inspect roots for damaged or rotten sections and trim them with clean, sharp scissors.
Place a layer of prepared LECA at the bottom of your chosen pot, which should have a reservoir system or drainage holes. Position the plant’s roots on this layer, then fill the pot with LECA, ensuring the plant is stable. For initial watering, add a diluted nutrient solution to the reservoir, keeping the water level just below the roots. This allows LECA to wick moisture up to the roots while preventing submersion.
Ongoing Care in LECA
Once established in LECA, prayer plants require ongoing care. Maintaining proper watering, nutrient delivery, light exposure, and humidity levels are important for success in this soilless medium.
Watering
The LECA system relies on a reservoir that provides consistent moisture through capillary action. Monitor the water level regularly, checking weekly, and refill as needed with a nutrient solution. Allow the water level to drop, but do not let the LECA completely dry out, as prayer plants prefer consistent moisture. Roots should not sit directly in standing water; LECA wicks moisture up to them.
Nutrient Solution
Since LECA is an inert medium with no inherent nutrients, providing a hydroponic nutrient solution is necessary for plant growth. Use a balanced liquid hydroponic fertilizer formulated for houseplants. Dilution rates follow product instructions, often at a reduced strength to avoid nutrient burn. Change the nutrient solution in the reservoir every two to four weeks to prevent salt buildup and ensure fresh nutrients.
Light Requirements
Prayer plants thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves and fade vibrant patterns. An east or north-facing window provides ideal light, or place the plant a few feet from a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains. If natural light is insufficient, supplemental artificial grow lights can provide illumination for 10-12 hours daily.
Humidity and Air Circulation
Prayer plants originate from humid tropical environments and require high humidity. An ideal humidity level is above 60%. While LECA helps maintain root moisture, it does not directly address ambient humidity. To boost humidity, consider using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray, or grouping it with other plants. Good air circulation is important to prevent stagnant air, which can lead to fungal issues in humid environments.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Prayer plants in LECA can encounter issues. Addressing these promptly helps maintain plant health.
Algae growth in the reservoir is common, especially in clear pots exposed to light. While small amounts are harmless, large amounts can compete for nutrients and oxygen. Using opaque outer pots or adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide can deter algae. If leaves appear discolored or growth is stunted, it may indicate a nutrient deficiency, requiring adjustment to the nutrient solution.
Root rot, though less common in LECA due to improved aeration, can still occur if roots are constantly submerged or if soil remnants decompose. If suspected, remove the plant, inspect roots, trim any soft or black sections, and ensure the water level is maintained below the root crown. Drooping or curling leaves can signal various problems, including insufficient water, or an imbalance in light or nutrients, requiring an assessment of the plant’s environment and care.