Is your prayer plant struggling to survive? Don't worry, it's not uncommon for these beautiful plants to experience setbacks. With the right care and attention, you can nurse your prayer plant back to health. In this article, we'll guide you through the common reasons why prayer plants die and provide you with a comprehensive plan to save your dying prayer plant.
Table of Contents
- Identifying the Cause of Your Prayer Plant's Decline
- Adjusting Watering Habits
- Providing Optimal Humidity
- Pruning and Grooming
- Fertilizing Your Prayer Plant
- Repotting Your Prayer Plant
- Monitoring Temperature and Light
- Pest Control and Disease Prevention
- Ongoing Care and Maintenance
- Frequently Asked Questions
Identifying the Cause of Your Prayer Plant's Decline
Before you can start saving your prayer plant, you need to identify the cause of its decline. Check your plant for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Some common issues that can affect prayer plants include:
- Overwatering or underwatering
- Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale
- Fungal diseases like root rot or leaf spot
- Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron or magnesium
- Too much direct sunlight or extreme temperatures
Take a close look at your plant's leaves, stems, and soil to determine the root cause of the problem. Remove any dead or dying leaves or stems to prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth.
Adjusting Watering Habits
Prayer plants are sensitive to water, and both overwatering and underwatering can be detrimental to their health. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. If it's already moist, wait a few more days before watering again.
When watering, make sure to water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Providing Optimal Humidity
Prayer plants thrive in humid environments, typically between 50-70% relative humidity. If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase the moisture around the plant.
Pruning and Grooming
Pruning and grooming are essential for maintaining your prayer plant's health and encouraging new growth. Remove any dead or dying leaves or stems, and cut back long stems to encourage branching. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to prevent spreading diseases.
Fertilizing Your Prayer Plant
Fertilize your prayer plant during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. You can also use a fertilizer specifically formulated for tropical plants like prayer plants.
Repotting Your Prayer Plant
If your prayer plant is pot-bound or showing signs of nutrient deficiencies, it may be time to repot. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, and use a well-draining potting mix. Gently remove the plant from its pot, taking care not to damage the roots. Trim away any dead or damaged roots before replanting.
Monitoring Temperature and Light
Prayer plants prefer bright, indirect light, but direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch. Move your plant to a spot with filtered or dappled light, especially during the hottest part of the day. Keep your plant away from drafts and extreme temperatures, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Pest Control and Disease Prevention
Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. Isolate infested plants, and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions. Prevent fungal diseases by removing dead or dying leaves, improving air circulation, and avoiding overwatering.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
To prevent your prayer plant from declining again, establish a regular care routine. Check the soil moisture daily, and water as needed. Fertilize during the growing season, and prune or groom your plant regularly. Monitor your plant's health, and take action quickly if you notice any signs of decline.
By following these steps and providing your prayer plant with the right care and attention, you should be able to nurse it back to health. Remember to be patient, as recovery may take time. With proper care and maintenance, your prayer plant can thrive and bring beauty and serenity to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs of a dying prayer plant?
A dying prayer plant typically exhibits signs such as yellowing or droopy leaves, slow growth, and a weak or leggy stem. You may also notice a decrease in the plant's ability to fold its leaves at night or a change in the color of the leaves from a vibrant green to a dull grayish-green.
Why is my prayer plant dying?
There are several reasons why your prayer plant may be dying, including overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light, extreme temperatures, pests, or diseases. It's essential to identify the underlying cause to take the appropriate corrective measures.
How often should I water my prayer plant?
Prayer plants prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Watering once a week is a good starting point, but this may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment.
What is the ideal temperature for a prayer plant?
Prayer plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid placing your plant near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces, or drafty windows to maintain a consistent temperature.
Can I revive a dying prayer plant?
Yes, with proper care and attention, you can revive a dying prayer plant. Prune dead or damaged leaves, adjust the watering schedule, and provide the right amount of light and nutrients. Be patient, as it may take some time for the plant to recover.
How much light does a prayer plant need?
Prayer plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched, so it's essential to provide filtered or dappled light, especially during the peak sun hours.
What type of soil is best for a prayer plant?
Use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for tropical plants like prayer plants. Avoid using regular potting soil, as it can retain too much water and cause root rot.
How often should I fertilize my prayer plant?
Fertilize your prayer plant during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Can I propagate a prayer plant?
Yes, you can propagate a prayer plant through stem cuttings or leaf node cuttings. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings, remove lower leaves, and plant them in a moist potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm until roots develop.
Why are the leaves on my prayer plant turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on a prayer plant can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, too much direct sunlight, or a lack of nutrients. Check the soil moisture, adjust the lighting, and fertilize the plant to address the issue.
How do I prune a prayer plant?
Prune your prayer plant to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and remove dead or damaged leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut just above a node, making a 45-degree angle cut.
Can I grow a prayer plant outdoors?
Yes, you can grow a prayer plant outdoors in a shaded area with high humidity and temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). However, be cautious of frost and extreme weather conditions.
Why is my prayer plant not folding its leaves at night?
A prayer plant's leaves typically fold at night due to a natural process called nyctropism. If your plant is not folding its leaves, it may be due to insufficient light, extreme temperatures, or a lack of humidity.
Can I repot a prayer plant?
Yes, you can repot a prayer plant in the spring or summer when it becomes pot-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, and use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil.
How do I treat pests on a prayer plant?
Common pests on prayer plants include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat infestations by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and isolate the plant to prevent the pests from spreading.
Can I grow a prayer plant in a hanging basket?
Yes, prayer plants can thrive in hanging baskets, especially if you provide good air circulation and maintain the right moisture levels. Choose a basket with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
Why are the stems on my prayer plant becoming leggy?
Leggy stems on a prayer plant can be caused by insufficient light, overwatering, or a lack of pruning. Prune the stems to encourage bushy growth, and provide more light or consider using grow lights.
Can I divide a prayer plant?
Yes, you can divide a prayer plant by gently separating the roots and replanting the separated sections in a well-draining potting mix. This is a great way to propagate new plants and rejuvenate an older plant.
How do I treat root rot on a prayer plant?
Treat root rot by removing the plant from the soil, trimming away affected roots, and repotting the plant in a well-draining potting mix. Reduce watering and ensure good air circulation to prevent further root rot.
Can I use tap water for my prayer plant?
It's recommended to use filtered or distilled water for your prayer plant, as tap water may contain high levels of chlorine, fluoride, or other chemicals that can harm the plant.
Why is my prayer plant not growing?
A prayer plant may not be growing due to insufficient light, inadequate nutrients, or inconsistent watering. Check the plant's environment, adjust the care routine, and fertilize the plant to promote healthy growth.
Can I grow a prayer plant in a terrarium?
Yes, prayer plants can thrive in terrariums, but it's essential to ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Choose a terrarium with a wide mouth to facilitate air exchange.
How do I monitor the humidity around my prayer plant?
Monitor the humidity around your prayer plant by using a hygrometer or by observing the plant's response to its environment. Prayer plants prefer high humidity, so you may need to mist the plant regularly or use a humidifier.
Can I use a humidifier for my prayer plant?
Yes, a humidifier can be beneficial for a prayer plant, especially in dry environments. Place the humidifier near the plant, but avoid direct misting, which can cause fungal diseases.
Why are the leaves on my prayer plant curling?
Curling leaves on a prayer plant can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or extreme temperatures. Check the soil moisture, adjust the watering schedule, and ensure the plant is in a consistent temperature range.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
Golden Cane
Golden Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
Pilea Mollis
Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
Pink Jelly Beans
Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.