The Prayer plant, also known as Maranta leuconeura, is a popular tropical houseplant that belongs to the Marantaceae family. It is favored for its beautiful and attractive foliage that boasts of intricate patterns and colors. The plant gets its name from the way it folds its leaves in the evening just like hands are folded during prayer.
Propagating a Prayer plant can be an exciting activity for any indoor gardener. There are different ways to propagate this plant, including division and stem cuttings. In this guide, we will look at how you can propagate your Prayer plant using both techniques.
Dividing Your Prayer Plant
Division is one of the easiest ways to propagate a matured or overgrown prayer plant. Most people prefer this method because it does not require much effort or time since root development has already taken place.
Here’s what you need:
– Pruning shears
– A pot with well-draining soil
– Water
Steps:
1) Remove your prayer plant gently from its current pot.
2) Use pruning shears to separate clumps of roots in half or thirds.
3) Ensure each new division has enough viable roots attached to survive on their own and sufficient foliage.
4) Transplant into individual pots filled with fresh potting soil
5) Keep them moist by watering regularly but do not overwater.
Stem Cutting Propagation Method
The stem cutting propagation method involves taking cuttings from healthy parts of your Mother Plant and placing them in water until they develop roots before transplanting into soil.
Here’s what you need:
– Sharp scissors or pruners
– Small vase or glass jar (preferably clear)
– Water rooting hormone powder (optional)
– Potting mix
Steps:
1) Identify healthy stems on your mother plants with several nodes – these will produce strong roots more quickly.
2) Make clean cuts between 5 – 7 inches long right below the node using sharp scissors or pruners.
3) Remove leaves from the stem, leaving at least two to three nodes above the cut.
4) Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder (optional)
5) Fill a clear vase with water and place your stem cutting in it. Position it so that only one-third of its length is submerged below water level
6) Change out water weekly or if it becomes dirty as bacteria can cause rotting.
7) Wait for 2-4 weeks for roots to develop before transferring each new plant into potting soil.
Conclusion
Prayer plants are relatively easy to propagate, hence making them readily available indoor plants. Whether you choose division or stem cutting propagation method, be sure always to start with healthy mother plants and take note of adequate care instructions for an increased success rate when propagating prayer plants. Remember patience is key when propagating houseplants!
