The plant commonly known as the “praying mantis plant” is Maranta leuconeura, also called the Prayer Plant. This popular indoor houseplant is recognized for its distinctive leaf movement, where its leaves fold upwards at night, resembling hands in prayer or a praying mantis.
What is the Praying Mantis Plant?
The Praying Mantis Plant, Maranta leuconeura, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Marantaceae family. It originates from the tropical rainforests of Brazil, thriving under the dense canopy with filtered light and abundant moisture. This plant typically grows 6 to 12 inches tall with a similar spread, suitable for tabletops, shelves, or hanging baskets.
The plant’s most striking feature is its ornate foliage, displaying various patterns and colors. Leaves are often deep green with prominent red veins, light green margins, or dark blotches. The undersides often exhibit a reddish-purple hue from anthocyanin pigmentation, which helps the plant absorb reflected light in its low-light native habitat.
A characteristic of Maranta leuconeura is its nyctinastic movement, a daily rhythmic folding of its leaves. During the day, leaves lie flat to maximize light absorption. As evening approaches, the leaves fold upwards, controlled by specialized motor cells in the pulvini at the base of the leaf stems. This “praying” behavior continues through the night, unfolding again with daylight.
Caring for Your Praying Mantis Plant
To ensure healthy growth, provide the right environment for your Praying Mantis Plant, mimicking its natural habitat.
Light
The Praying Mantis Plant prefers bright, indirect light. Place it near a north or east-facing window, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window with filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, as intense light can scorch delicate leaves, causing them to fade or develop brown spots. While the plant tolerates lower light, its vibrant leaf patterns may become less pronounced.
Watering
Consistent soil moisture is important, though the plant should never be waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring thorough saturation until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is beneficial, as these plants are sensitive to chemicals in tap water, which can lead to browning leaf tips. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months when growth slows.
Humidity
High humidity is a requirement for the Praying Mantis Plant. Levels of 50-60% or higher are beneficial. To increase ambient humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray, ensuring the pot sits on pebbles and not in standing water. Grouping the plant with other houseplants creates a more humid microclimate. A room humidifier provides consistent humidity.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic potting mix is ideal, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.0. A suitable mixture combines equal parts peat moss, perlite, and quality potting soil. This blend helps retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely, preventing root rot. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Repotting is recommended every 1-2 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide space for root development.
Temperature
The Praying Mantis Plant thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). These plants are not cold tolerant and should not be exposed to temperatures below 60°F (15°C). Protect the plant from sudden temperature changes, cold drafts, or direct exposure to air conditioning vents, as these can cause stress and leaf damage. Consistent warmth supports healthy growth.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season in spring and summer, the Praying Mantis Plant benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. A 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 NPK ratio is suitable. Reduce or cease fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows. Always water the plant before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Common Problems and Solutions
Praying Mantis Plants can encounter specific issues. Recognizing these signs helps maintain plant health.
Browning leaf tips or edges often indicate low humidity, tap water sensitivity, or insufficient watering. Increase humidity using pebble trays or humidifiers. Switching to filtered, distilled, or rainwater can mitigate mineral buildup. Adjusting watering frequency to ensure consistent soil moisture prevents dry leaf edges.
Yellowing leaves frequently signal overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Check soil moisture before watering and allow the top inch to dry out slightly. Yellowing may also indicate underwatering or a nutrient deficiency. If overwatering is ruled out, consider a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Faded leaf color or scorched spots result from excessive direct sunlight. The plant’s vibrant patterns can bleach out. Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light to restore its color and prevent further scorching.
Leggy growth, characterized by elongated stems with sparse leaves, suggests insufficient light. Relocate the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light to encourage more compact, bushy growth.
Common houseplant pests, such as spider mites and mealybugs, can affect Praying Mantis Plants. Regularly inspecting leaves, especially the undersides, helps detect infestations early. Organic pest control methods, like wiping leaves with a damp cloth or using insecticidal soap, manage these issues.
Propagating Your Praying Mantis Plant
Propagating the Praying Mantis Plant is a rewarding process, most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. This method allows you to create new plants.
To propagate, select a healthy stem with at least two or three leaves and a visible node. A node is a small bump on the stem where new roots and leaves emerge. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water or buried in soil to prevent rotting.
Stem cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of room-temperature water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically form within a few weeks.
For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly into a small pot filled with a well-draining, moist potting mix. Ensure at least one node is buried. To maintain high humidity, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap, creating a mini-greenhouse effect. Provide warmth and bright, indirect light for both methods. Once roots are established and new growth appears, the young plant can be cared for as a mature specimen.