The Maranta leuconeura, commonly known as the Prayer Plant, is recognized for its striking, patterned foliage. Its common name comes from the distinct movement of its leaves, which fold upward at night, resembling hands pressed together in prayer (nyctinasty). Expanding your collection or sharing this plant is straightforward using the two primary methods: cutting or division. This guide details the process of establishing a thriving new plant.
Selecting a Propagation Method
Starting a new Prayer Plant can be accomplished through either root division or stem cuttings, with the choice often depending on the size and maturity of the parent plant. Root division is the most reliable and fastest method for a mature, clumping plant, as it immediately provides a new start with an established root system. To perform a division, gently remove the entire plant from its pot and carefully loosen the soil around the root ball.
The plant’s growth habit often results in several distinct clumps, each with its own root mass and multiple stems. Use a clean, sharp knife or sterilized shears to separate the root ball into individual sections, making sure each new section retains a good amount of roots. These newly divided plants are then ready to be immediately potted in their own containers.
Stem cuttings are the preferred method when the parent plant is too small or you only wish to take a small piece of trailing growth. For a successful cutting, you must locate a node, which is a slightly thickened area on the stem where new leaves and roots will emerge. This joint is typically where a leaf meets the stem.
Using clean, sharp shears, cut the stem approximately one inch below a node, ensuring the cutting has a few healthy leaves attached. The cutting can then be rooted in water, with the node fully submerged, or directly into a moist growing medium. Removing any leaves that would sit below the water or soil line helps prevent rot and fungal issues.
Preparing the Growing Medium
Before planting your new division or rooted cutting, preparing the proper medium is necessary for future root health. Prayer Plants require a well-draining yet moisture-retentive substrate that mimics their native tropical environment. A suitable mix often begins with a base of peat moss or coco coir, providing the slightly acidic environment the plant prefers (pH 6.0 to 6.5).
To improve drainage and aeration, this base should be amended with materials like perlite, pumice, or small-grade orchid bark. A mixture of roughly 40-50% peat moss, 20-30% perlite, and a smaller amount of orchid bark creates a light, airy soil structure. This composition allows excess water to drain quickly, preventing root rot while still retaining necessary moisture.
The container selected must always have drainage holes to allow water to escape freely. For new starts or single cuttings, a smaller pot is advantageous, as a large volume of soil can retain too much water, slowing the establishment of the young root system. Placing the new plant in a small container appropriate for its current root mass encourages faster root growth and establishment.
Initial Care for Establishment
The first four to eight weeks following propagation are a period of vulnerability requiring a stable environment for success. Immediately after potting a division or transplanting a rooted cutting, thoroughly water the soil until excess drains from the bottom. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; allow the top half-inch to inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is preferred over tap water, as chemicals and salts can damage the sensitive roots and leaf edges. Avoid applying liquid fertilizer during this initial establishment phase, as concentrated nutrients can easily burn delicate new roots. Fertilization should be held until the plant begins to show new, active growth, indicating the root system is established.
Providing adequate light is also important, and this species thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Placing the new plant near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, ensures enough light without the risk of leaf scorch. Direct, intense sunlight can quickly damage the foliage, especially on a plant already stressed from propagation.
High humidity is an important factor for Prayer Plants, given their tropical origin, and is especially beneficial for new cuttings and divisions. A minimum humidity level of 50% is recommended for healthy growth, though higher levels help reduce transplant shock. This can be achieved by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot base does not touch the water) or by grouping the new plant with other houseplants.
For cuttings, temporarily covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome creates a miniature greenhouse, trapping moisture and increasing local humidity. This helps prevent the leaves from drying out while new roots are forming. Maintaining a consistently warm air temperature, above 60°F (15°C), also supports the rooting process and overall establishment.