Prayer Plant Lemon Lime 6”

Light:

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves or cause the colors to fade.

• It can tolerate lower light conditions but may experience slower growth. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

• Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as the plant is sensitive to chlorine and fluoride, which can cause leaf browning.

• Watering with room temperature water is preferred to avoid shocking the roots.

Humidity:

• Prayer Plants love high humidity (50% or higher). Dry air can lead to brown, crispy leaf edges.

• If your home is dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier, misting the plant regularly, or placing it on a tray of pebbles with water.

Temperature:

• The Lemon Lime Prayer Plant prefers warm temperatures between 65°F and 80°F 

• Avoid cold drafts, sudden temperature changes, and temperatures below 55°F, which can cause stress to the plant.

Soil:

• Use a well-draining potting mix with good aeration. A mix designed for tropical plants or houseplants with added perlite or peat moss works well.

• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom, which could lead to root rot.

Fertilizer:

• Feed your Lemon Lime Prayer Plant every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.

• Do not fertilize in fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Pruning:

• Prune to remove any dead or yellowing leaves and to maintain the plant’s shape. This will help direct energy toward new growth.

• You can also trim leggy growth to encourage fuller, bushier growth.

Repotting:

• Repot your Prayer Plant every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and give the roots more room to grow.

• Repot in the spring, using a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Pest Control:

• Prayer Plants are generally resistant to pests but can occasionally attract spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids.

• Regularly inspect the plant, especially on the undersides of the leaves. If pests are present, treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Common Issues:

• Yellowing leaves: This could be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.

• Browning leaf tips or edges: This is usually due to low humidity or watering with tap water containing chemicals. Increase humidity or switch to filtered water.

• Leggy growth: If the plant is becoming leggy, it may not be getting enough light. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Propagation:

• Lemon Lime Prayer Plants can be propagated by division or stem cuttings.

• To propagate by division, carefully separate the plant during repotting, ensuring that each section has healthy roots.

• For stem cuttings, cut just below a node and place the cutting in water or moist soil. Once roots form (if propagating in water), you can transplant the cutting into soil.

Prayer Movement:

• The plant’s leaves will move throughout the day, opening in the morning and closing at night (a phenomenon known as nyctinasty). This is a normal and fascinating behavior, so don’t be alarmed if the leaves are upright at night.

General Tips:

• Rotate the plant periodically to encourage even growth on all sides.

• Clean the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust, allowing for optimal photosynthesis and preventing pests from settling.