How to Revive a Prayer Plant That Is Dying
Prayer plants communicate their needs through their leaves. Learn to interpret your plant's condition and provide the specific care it needs to recover and thrive.
The prayer plant, or Maranta leuconeura, is known for its expressive foliage that folds upward at night, resembling praying hands. This dramatic behavior means it also clearly shows signs of distress. Its expressive nature is a clear call for help, and the plant can be guided back to health with the right care.
Common Signs of a Distressed Prayer Plant
One of the first indicators of a problem is the appearance of yellowing leaves. This is not just a pale tint but a distinct yellow that signals the leaf is no longer thriving. You might also notice the development of brown, crispy leaf tips or edges, which suggest the leaf is losing moisture.
Beyond the foliage, the plant’s overall structure may appear weak, with limp or drooping stems. A healthy prayer plant has a noticeable daily rhythm, but a distressed one may cease this “praying” motion, with leaves remaining lowered day and night. This lack of movement is a strong sign that its internal processes are disrupted. Finally, a halt in new growth indicates the plant is conserving energy for survival.
Diagnosing the Core Problem
The most frequent cause of a prayer plant’s decline is improper watering. You can diagnose this by checking the soil. If the soil is heavy and soggy, overwatering is the likely culprit, which can lead to root rot. Conversely, if the soil is dry and pulling away from the pot, the plant is underwatered.
Incorrect lighting is another common issue. Prayer plants thrive in bright, indirect light, similar to the dappled sunlight of a rainforest floor. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, causing brown spots or a faded appearance. If the plant receives too little light, its growth may become “leggy,” with long, stretched-out stems.
Dry air can also cause problems for these humidity-loving plants. Brown, crispy leaf tips are a classic sign that the surrounding air lacks sufficient moisture. It is also wise to inspect the plant for pests. Check their undersides and stems for common intruders like spider mites, which can drain the plant of its fluids.
Finally, issues below the surface can be a source of trouble. If you suspect overwatering, gently remove the plant from its pot to examine the roots. Healthy roots are firm and whitish or light tan. If you find dark, mushy, or foul-smelling roots, root rot has set in.
A Step-by-Step Revival Plan
If you have discovered root rot, your first action is to address the roots. Carefully trim away any black, mushy, or dead sections with sterile scissors. This prevents the rot from spreading further. If the plant is severely root-bound, repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.
Next, prune away any damaged foliage. Cut off any leaves that are fully yellow, brown, or dead at the base of the stem. This allows the plant to redirect its energy toward producing new, healthy growth instead of trying to sustain dying leaves.
With the plant cleaned up, focus on creating the right environment. Move it to a location where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight. Establish a proper watering schedule by allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a pebble tray, or use a humidifier.
It is best to hold off on fertilizing a stressed plant. When a plant is struggling, its ability to absorb nutrients is diminished, and adding fertilizer can burn the recovering roots. Wait until you see consistent new growth before reintroducing a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer.
Preventing Future Decline
To prevent future issues, consistency in care is important. Maintain a regular watering routine, always checking the soil’s moisture level before adding more water. It is better to let the plant get slightly too dry than to overwater it.
Continue to provide the plant with bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is often ideal, as it provides gentle morning sun without the harsh intensity of afternoon rays. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.
High humidity is a constant need for a healthy prayer plant. Grouping it with other plants can help create a more humid microclimate, or you can continue using a pebble tray or humidifier. Once your plant is healthy, begin a gentle fertilizing schedule during the growing season.