Green Maranta-Prayer Plant

Marantaceae plant family includes both the Maranta and Calathea genera. Closely related and very similar in appearance, plants in both genera are often referred to as prayer plants—and both have many cultivars. What they have in common is ornamental, variegated leaves (often with deep purple or white veining) that are a striking visual component of any collection of houseplants.

You can hang or set your prayer plant near a window where it will get indirect sunlight. Never set your plant in direct sunlight as the sun will scorch the plant’s leaves, or leaves will develop blotches or patches and fade in color intensity. The plant is generally tolerant of lower light areas.Prayer plants need to be grown in a planting medium that is comprised of two parts peat moss, one part sand, and one part loam. This combination is ideal, ensuring optimal drainage, although you can often get by with a mixed potting soil as well. Prayer plants can tolerate acidic, loam, or clay soils, although a well-draining mixture is best.During the growing season, water frequently and never allow the potting soil to dry out. Water the prayer plant when the top of the potting soil is just starting to get dry. These plants are very susceptible to drought; however, to avoid fungal problems, try not to let water sit directly on the leaves or let the plant get soggy. Not enough water and overwatering  can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop from the plant.