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Prayer Plant

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For a plant that has the ‘moves’ the Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a must have! It's not just the looks of the fantastically coloured and patterned leaves that grab your attention, but the way it changes positions throughout the day. In the light the leaves are outward facing, showing off their fabulous colours. When night falls the leaves start to make their move upwards, gathering together, similar to that of hands praying. The prayer plant is a great feature in your indoor jungle and one to truly keep an eye on!

 

 

How to grow prayer plant in a pot

  1. Choose a spot indoors that is well lit, but away from direct sunlight like a windowsill or coffee table. 
  2. Partially fill the pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.  
  3. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots. 
  4. Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well keeping the water away from the leaves.  
  5. After the initial watering, keep the soil moist (not wet!), especially during the warmer months. 
  6. Feed fortnightly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food. 
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How to grow prayer plant in a garden

  1.  Choose a shady spot (like under a tree) with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.  
  2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots. 
  3. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots.  
  4. Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw ensuring to keep it away from the trunk.  
  5. Water regularly, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. 
  6. Feed fortnightly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. 

     

Growing tips

  • Remove dead stems from the base of the plant.  

  • Gently wipe the leaves with damp cloth to remove dust.  

  • Prayer plants can be easily propagated by division. This is best done every two years in spring. 

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