How to Propagate Prayer Plant

Prayer plant, also known as Maranta leuconeura, is a popular houseplant due to its vibrant green leaves and unique behavior of lifting its leaves at night as though in prayer. Propagating prayer plants is a great way to expand your plant collection or share with friends. In this article, we will discuss the steps and tips on how to propagate prayer plant.

Preparing the Potting Soil

Before propagating prayer plant, it is important to prepare the potting soil in advance. Use a mixture of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Mix them all together and fill it into a pot with drainage holes. Make sure the soil is moist but not soaked and wait for it to settle before planting.

Taking Cuttings

Next, carefully cut a stem from the mother plant that has a few leaves and nodes with a clean, sharp pair of scissors. The ideal cutting size is about 3-4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving about two to three leaves at the top.

Preparing the Cutting

After cutting, dip the end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder. This will help stimulate root growth. Gently tap off any excess powder to avoid making the soil too alkaline.

Planting the Cutting

Plant the cutting into the prepared potting soil, making sure that at least one node is buried under the soil. Press the soil gently around the cutting to keep it in place. Water the cutting thoroughly, allowing excess moisture to drain away.

Care and Maintenance

After planting, it is important to keep the cutting in a warm, well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not too wet to avoid rotting. Mist the leaves occasionally to keep the humidity level high.

Rooting Time

Rooting time may vary, but it usually takes up to 6-8 weeks for the cutting to develop roots. You can check if the roots have formed by gently tugging at the stem. If you feel some resistance, then roots have formed, and you can transplant the prayer plant into a larger pot with well-draining soil.

In conclusion, propagating prayer plant is an easy and fun way to increase your plant collection. By following these simple steps, you can take cuttings from your mother plant and create new prayer plants effortlessly. Remember to care for the cutting properly, and you will soon have a new and healthy prayer plant to enjoy.