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The Neon Prayer Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening is a beautiful art that requires patience, care, and attention.
Every plant has its unique needs, and as garden enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to provide them with proper care to thrive.
Among the many indoor plants that can brighten up your room and improve air quality, the Neon Prayer Plant stands out as one of the most striking houseplants you can own.
This article aims to provide a complete guide on caring for this stunning plant.
Introduction to the Neon Prayer Plant
The Neon Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is an evergreen perennial that belongs to the Marantaceae family.
One of the most striking features of this plant is its leaves’ pattern; they have dark green veins with neon-like pink stripes running through them.
As a result, this plant often goes by other names like “Pink stripe,” “Maranta red,” or “Prayer plant.” It gets its name from how it moves throughout the day; at night-time or in low-light conditions, it folds up like praying hands.
Caring for your Neon Prayer Plant
Light
- The neon prayer plant prefers filtered light or partial shade since direct sunlight can harm its leaves’ delicate nature.
- Avoid exposing your prayer plants too much in direct sunlight as it causes leaf scorching or fading coloration problems.
- If you want your prayer plants’ colors vibrant enough for photosynthesis during winter months when daylight hours are shorter than usual consider placing artificial grow lights 6-12 inches above them.
Water and Humidity
- The Neon Prayer Plant thrives in a humid environment with temperatures ranging between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water your plant when the topsoil feels dry to touch but avoid over-watering as it can cause root rot.
- To increase humidity levels, you can place a tray of water near the plant or use a humidifier.
Soil and Fertilizer
- Your prayer plant prefers well-draining, peat-based soil that retains sufficient moisture while allowing excess water to drain away quickly.
- You can also add perlite or sand into the potting mix for increased drainage capacity.
- Fertilize your Neon Prayer Plant every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted by half strength.
However, reduce fertilization during winter months since plants are not actively growing.
Potting Requirements
Your prayer plant grows best in shallow pots since they have shallow roots that spread horizontally rather than vertically.
Ensure you repot your plants every year before spring arrives as this is when they experience growth bursts due to increased light availability.
Pests and Diseases
The neon prayer plant is vulnerable to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids among others.
To eliminate them from your plants use insecticidal soap or neem oil by spraying directly on afflicted areas regularly until the pest infestation subsides.
Conclusion
In conclusion, caring for your Neon Prayer Plant requires providing it with partial shade light conditions; maintaining adequate water levels; using balanced fertilizer; putting them in well-drained soil, and repotting yearly.
The neon prayer plant’s aesthetic nature is unmatched, making it a must-have indoor plant for every gardening enthusiast.
Giving it proper care ensures that you keep your prayer plant healthy and vibrant all year round.