How to grow Prayer Plant

Very fussy plants, they must not become cold or allowed to sit in water or be exposed to direct sun light.
They require hight humidity and peat based compost.
It is important to obtain the plant from a supplier who understands the growing requirements as exposure to cold before purchase can easily result in a sick plant that does not show, until it has been brought home.

Choose a position not directly by a window, even if north facing, as this can lead to temperature fluctuations. Check that there is no direct sun during the day. Increase the humidity by using gravel trays or gravel inside decorative containers.
Use a peat based or ericaceous compost and allow it to dry slightly before rewetting. Water from the top bur do not leave it to stand in water. Tepid water is best.
Mist the leaves with tepid water and sponge them if they become dusty or to show off the leaf markings to their best. Because the plants are so fussy, tepid water is always best

Marantaceae are not generally raised from seed, but they will grow fairly easily from cuttings. Take a cuttings with two leaves attached and root into a peat based mix with a little added vermiculite. Improve the humidity by inserting two sticks into the pot and covering with a clear plastic bag. Arrange the plastic bag so that it does not touch the leaves.
Avoid the temptation to over divide mature plants from their growing clump. Marantaceae can be divided, if growing well but they grow better in large clumps

Warmth and humidity are important when keeping Marantaceae. Several smaller plants or grown on cuttings can be placed together in a larger decorative container with gravel to improve the humidity, while the clumps bulk up

Prayer plant is tender, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside - as a guideline, the minimum temperature outside should be approximately 18°C / 64°F.

These estimates for how long Prayer plant takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

The common name Prayer plant is linked to the large leaves of the plant as they fold together when darkness falls.
Rabbit Tracks due to the paired blotches along the leaf length.
Herring bone plant as some varieties have prominent and contrasting veins that resemble fish bones

The leaf patterns and colouring improve if grown in dim conditions. Bright light will scotch and dry the leaves.

Prayer plant, Rabbit Tracks, Herringbone Plant, Cathedral Windows

Maranta leuconeura E. Morren