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Peacock Prayer Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, especially when you have houseplants that are easy to maintain and beautiful to look at.
The Peacock Prayer Plant is one of those plants that can add an aesthetic appeal to your home while being low maintenance.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Peacock Prayer Plant.
What is a Peacock Prayer Plant?
The peacock prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is native to Brazil and commonly referred to as the “prayer plant” due to its unique habit of folding its leaves up at night like praying hands.
It’s called the “peacock” prayer plant because of its long, colorful foliage resembling the feathers of a peacock.
Care Tips for Peacock Prayer Plant
- Light: The peacock prayer plant prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions too.
- Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot.
- Humidity: The peacock prayer plant thrives in high humidity levels between 50-80%.
You can use a humidifier or place a tray filled with water near it.
- Fertilizer: Feed every month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted in half strength.
Stop feeding during winter as plants go dormant during this period.
- Pot Size & Soil Type:The best pot size for your peacocks’ prayer planter should be big enough for their growth rate.
You will need soil that is well-draining and rich in nutrients.
A mix of peat moss, perlite, or sand can create aeration and proper drainage.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature range for the peacock prayer plant is between 60-80F (15-26C).
Propagation
The Peacock Prayer Plant is easy to propagate through stem cuttings.
Take a cutting with at least two to three leaves, dip it in rooting hormone powder, and plant it in potting soil.
Keep the soil moist and place it in bright indirect light until roots develop.
Pests and Diseases
The Peacock Prayer Plant can attract common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects that suck on the plant’s sap causing yellowing of leaves.
To get rid of these pests use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until infestation disappears.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why are my peacock prayer plant leaves turning brown?A: Brown leaves are usually caused by overwatering or low humidity levels.
- Q: How often should I water my Peacock Prayer Plant?A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry but avoid overwatering.
- Q: Can I put my Peacock Prayer Plant outside?A: No! This tropical houseplant prefers humid conditions indoors away from direct sunlight.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for an indoor plant that not only adds beauty to your home but requires minimal maintenance too then get yourself a peafowl-inspired Maranta Leuconeura.
With its stunning foliage, unique growth habit, and easy-care routine, the Peacock Prayer Plant will surely be a delightful addition to your home.
