How to Approach Prayer Plant Watering

The prayer plant, or Maranta leuconeura, is known for the daily movement of its leaves, which fold upward at night. This behavior, called nyctinasty, is a captivating trait. While visually striking, the plant has specific moisture preferences that require attention. Understanding its watering needs is fundamental to maintaining its health and preventing common issues that can arise from improper hydration.

When and How to Water

The primary guideline for watering a prayer plant is to maintain soil that is consistently moist but never waterlogged. A reliable way to determine when to water is to check the soil’s condition with your finger. Insert your finger about an inch into the potting mix; if it feels dry at that depth, it is time to provide more water. If the soil still feels damp, it is best to wait a day or two before checking again to avoid oversaturating the roots.

During the active growing season of spring and summer, your plant will use water more quickly, likely requiring watering once or twice a week. As daylight shortens and growth slows in the fall and winter, the plant enters a dormant period and its water requirements decrease. In these cooler months, you should allow the top layer of soil to dry out more between waterings. This seasonal adjustment prevents the soil from staying wet for extended periods, which can be detrimental to the root system.

When applying water, pour it slowly and evenly over the soil surface until it begins to flow out of the container’s drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball has access to moisture. After watering, discard any excess water that collects in the saucer, as letting the plant sit in standing water can lead to root problems.

Choosing the Right Water

The type of water you use is a factor in the health of a prayer plant. These plants are sensitive to the minerals, chlorine, and fluoride found in tap water, which can accumulate and cause browning on leaf edges. Using tepid water is also recommended, as water that is too cold can shock the plant’s root system.

To avoid these issues, using one of the following water types is recommended:

• Filtered water: This removes many of the harsh chemicals and minerals present in tap water.
• Distilled water: This is an even purer option, having had nearly all minerals and impurities removed.
• Rainwater: This is a naturally soft and slightly acidic option that mimics what the plant receives in its native environment.
• Treated tap water: If other options are unavailable, let tap water sit uncovered for at least 24 hours. This allows some chlorine to evaporate, making it less harsh for the plant.

Signs of Incorrect Watering

Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering is a frequent issue, and its most common sign is the yellowing of leaves, particularly the lower ones. If the soil is kept too wet, the stems may become mushy or blackened near the base, indicating the onset of root rot. You may also notice that the plant’s leaves stop their daily movement, remaining drooped even at night. These symptoms are results of the roots being deprived of oxygen in waterlogged soil.

Signs of Underwatering

The signs of underwatering include wilted or droopy leaves, and the edges will often turn crispy and brown. You might also observe the leaves curling inward as the plant attempts to conserve moisture. If the soil is allowed to become completely dry, the plant will show distress quickly as it is not tolerant of drought conditions. These visual cues indicate it needs a thorough watering.