How to Grow and Care for Mora Plant

The Mora Plant, Maranta leuconeura, is a popular houseplant known for its ornamental leaves. It is commonly called the “Prayer Plant” because its leaves fold upward at night, resembling hands in prayer. This behavior, combined with its intricate foliage, makes it a dynamic addition to an indoor plant collection. Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, its low-growing, spreading habit is suitable for shelves or hanging baskets.

Mora Plant Care Guide

Light

Proper lighting is a factor in maintaining the health and vibrant coloration of your Mora Plant. It thrives in medium to bright, indirect sunlight, similar to the filtered light it would receive on a forest floor. Placing the plant near a window with a sheer curtain is an ideal location, as this provides brightness without harshness. Too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, resulting in brown patches and diminishing the plant’s decorative appeal.

Soil

The Mora Plant prefers a well-draining but moisture-retentive potting mix. A peat-based mix is recommended as it holds moisture well while providing good aeration. You can create a suitable blend using two parts peat moss, one part perlite for drainage, and one part compost for nutrients. Because these plants have shallow root systems, a pot that is wider than it is deep is beneficial for drainage and preventing root rot.

Water

Watering is important for the Mora Plant, which is sensitive to both underwatering and overwatering. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry. This plant is sensitive to chemicals in tap water, so it is best to use filtered, distilled, or rainwater. If using tap water, letting it sit out overnight can help some chemicals dissipate.

Temperature and Humidity

Replicating the warm and humid conditions of its native habitat is beneficial for the Mora Plant. It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C–30°C) and should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. High humidity is a requirement, with a level of at least 60% recommended. You can increase humidity by grouping it with other plants, placing it on a pebble tray with water, or using a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

To support its growth during the spring and summer, the Mora Plant benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Fertilize every two to four weeks during this active period. During the fall and winter, reduce fertilizing frequency as the plant’s growth slows. It is also good practice to flush the soil with plain water a few times a year to prevent the buildup of fertilizer salts.

Understanding Prayer Plant Leaf Movement

The Maranta leuconeura’s daily leaf movement is a phenomenon known as nyctinasty, a response to the daily cycle of light and darkness. During the day, the leaves lower and spread out to capture available light for photosynthesis. This positioning allows the plant to maximize its energy absorption.

As evening approaches and light levels decrease, the leaves slowly rise and fold together, resembling praying hands. This upward movement is controlled by flexible joints at the base of each leaf called pulvini, which change turgor pressure in response to light cues. While the exact benefit is studied, theories suggest this posture helps with water conservation or is a defense against nocturnal herbivores.

Propagating Your Mora Plant

You can propagate your Mora Plant through division or stem cuttings, preferably in the spring during its active growth phase. Division is best done during repotting. Remove the plant from its pot, expose the root system, and gently separate the natural clumps by hand or with a clean knife. Ensure each new section has roots before potting it separately.

Stem cuttings are also an effective method. Using sterilized shears, take a cutting from a healthy stem, making sure to cut just below a node—the point on the stem where leaves emerge. The cutting should be a few inches long and have at least one leaf. You can then root the cutting in either water or soil. For water rooting, place the cutting in a jar with the node submerged and change the water every few days until roots of about an inch have formed. For soil propagation, dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in a moist potting mix, then cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.

Common Mora Plant Problems

Crispy, brown leaf edges indicate low humidity or a reaction to minerals in tap water. Increasing humidity and switching to filtered or distilled water can resolve this. Faded leaf color or variegation is linked to improper lighting; too much direct sun washes out the colors, while too little light causes the vibrant patterns to fade.

Yellowing leaves are a sign of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. This condition prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients. Inspect the roots for a mushy texture and dark color, and if root rot is present, trim the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.

Pests can also bother the Mora Plant, with spider mites and mealybugs being the most common. Spider mites create fine webbing on the undersides of leaves, while mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses. Both can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or by applying an insecticide like neem oil.

Popular Mora Plant Varieties

The Maranta leuconeura species includes several cultivars with unique foliage but similar care requirements. Exploring these different types can add diverse textures and color palettes to your indoor garden.

One variety is Maranta leuconeura ‘Erythroneura’, the Red Maranta. This cultivar has deep green, velvety leaves with a herringbone pattern of bright red veins. The leaf center has a lighter, yellowish-green marking, and the undersides are reddish-purple.

Another popular choice is Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana’, known as Rabbit’s Tracks. This variety has bright green leaves with two rows of dark green or purplish blotches on either side of the central vein. The contrast between the light and dark green gives it a decorative look. As the leaves mature, these darker patches may change in intensity.

A third cultivar is Maranta leuconeura ‘Lemon Lime’. This variety has patterns of chartreuse and deep green. The veins and central markings are a bright lime green, creating a vivid contrast against the darker portions of the leaf.