Calathea and Maranta, commonly known as the Prayer Plant, are beloved for their intricate patterns and dynamic leaf movements. Those beautiful plants can thrive in lower and medium lighting conditions and are often chosen as the first plants because they are both forgiving and have fast growth.
However, they may be sometimes a little fussy, showing signs of unhappiness through yellowing leaves, brown patches and crispy brown edges. If you’re facing these issues, this guide will help you identify the most common reasons for these problems and provide effective solutions.
Prayer plants, named for their unique nightly folding of leaves resembling clasped hands in prayer, are popular and attractive houseplants. However, improper care can lead to issues like yellowing leaves which compromise the health and appearance of prayer plants.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the various causes behind yellow leaves on prayer plants and effective solutions to treat or prevent this common problem.
What Causes Yellow Leaves on Prayer Plants?
There are several key reasons prayer plant leaves may turn yellow
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Overwatering or Underwatering: Excess moisture leads to root rot while inadequate water dries out the plant. Both cause yellowing.
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Excess Sunlight: Direct sun burns delicate prayer plant leaves. This light stress turns leaves yellow or pale.
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Low Humidity: Prayer plants need high humidity. Dry air dehydrates leaves, making them yellow and crispy.
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Temperature Extremes: Cold drafts or excess heat stresses prayer plants. Prolonged exposure turns leaves yellow.
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Soil Issues: Dense, water-retentive soil or lack of drainage leads to root rot and yellow leaves.
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Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of nutrients, especially iron, causes yellowing known as chlorosis.
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Pests: Spider mites are common prayer plant pests. They suck nutrients causing yellow stippling on leaves.
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Diseases: Fungal diseases like leaf spot also lead to yellow spots/blotches on prayer plant leaves.
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Transplant Shock: Stress from repotting or propagation can temporarily cause yellowing leaves.
Fixes for Yellow Leaves on Prayer Plants
Adjust Watering
Monitor soil moisture and water when just the top inch is dry. Use well-draining soil and pots with holes. Allow excess water to drain out after watering. This prevents overwatering and underwatering.
Provide Indirect Bright Light
Keep prayer plants near east or west windows to receive gentle morning/afternoon sun. Filter harsh light with curtains. Avoid direct southern exposure.
Increase Humidity
Use a humidifier to maintain 60% or higher humidity. Group plants together for moisture. Place prayer plants on pebble trays. Mist leaves occasionally but avoid leaving them wet.
Maintain Ideal Temperature
Keep prayer plants between 65-80°F. Move them away from cold drafts and heating vents. Avoid exposing them to temperature fluctuations.
Use a Well-Aerating Soil Mix
Repot prayer plants in a mix containing peat moss, perlite, bark chips. This allows drainage without retaining excess moisture.
Apply a Balanced Liquid Fertilizer
Use a houseplant fertilizer to provide prayer plants with iron and other nutrients if deficient. Dilute to half-strength and apply monthly during spring and summer.
Inspect and Treat Pests
Look for signs of pests like webs, stippling damage. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil to get rid of spider mites. Isolate affected plants to prevent spread.
Isolate and Prune Diseased Plants
Remove infected leaves or entire plants showing fungal disease symptoms. Disinfect tools after pruning to prevent transmission.
Allow Plants Time to Recover After Repotting
Wait 2-3 weeks after reporting or propagation for plants to adapt before addressing yellow leaves which are likely just temporary.
When to Worry About Yellow Prayer Plant Leaves
Yellow leaves are normal as plants shed older leaves. But if many leaves rapidly turn yellow, it indicates an underlying problem. Leaf yellowing accompanied by wilting, spots, webs or drooping requires immediate troubleshooting and treatment before extensive damage occurs.
How to Prevent Future Yellowing of Prayer Plant Leaves
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Water prayer plants only when the topsoil is partly dry to avoid overwatering issues.
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Use rainwater or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup and toxicity.
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Maintain warm, humid conditions mimicking the tropical origin of these plants.
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Place prayer plants in bright, indirect light, never direct sun which scorches delicate leaves.
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Repot in a well-draining soil mix every 2-3 years and prune roots before repotting.
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Inspect regularly and take action at first signs of pests or disease infection.
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Fertilize prayer plants monthly during spring and summer to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
By providing prayer plants with proper care tailored to their needs, you can have gorgeous, healthy plants with vibrant green leaves thriving indoors. Avoid stressors and catch issues early to prevent leaf yellowing.
Prayer Plant Leaf Problems: What Is Wrong With My Prayer Plant?
Prayer plants have a fair share of leaf problems like other houseplants, including curling, browning, yellowing, and drooping leaves.
Lets understand the causes behind each of these problems and their easy fixes.
Prayer Plant Leaves Curling: Reasons & Solutions
The leaves of prayer plants are quite delicate and can start curling for many reasons. Luckily, you can reverse curled leaves on your Calathea or Maranta plant, as discussed below.
Your prayer plant leaves may curl, due to the following reasons:
- Over/underwatering
- Extreme temperature fluctuations
- Too low humidity
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Pest attacks and diseases
Solution:
To prevent your prayer plants leaves from curling, follow a consistent watering schedule to avoid both overwatering and underwatering. Using a well-draining soil mix and pot with an adequate number of drainage holes will also assist your plant in getting just the right hydration, keeping waterlogging at bay. Monitoring the temperature fluctuations and humidity levels around your plant is crucial, too. Lastly, find a sweet spot of bright, indirect light for your prayer plant to keep its leaves flat and fabulous.
Prayer Plant Yellow Leaves: Get Rid Of It Now
FAQ
How do I fix yellow leaves on my Prayer Plant?
- Bright, indirect light often prevents yellow leaves. …
- Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to avoid yellow leaves from improper watering.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer to prevent nutrient deficiencies that yellow leaves.
What does an overwatered Prayer Plant look like?
A: An overwatered prayer plant can usually be recognized by its yellow leaves, funny smell coming from the waterlogged soil, due to root rot, mushy stems, and in some cases, water-soaked spots or blisters on the leaves.
How do you fix yellow leaves on calathea?
How to prevent calathea leaves from turning yellow? Use filtered water for watering. Avoid tap water. Mist regularly for humidity. Trim dead leaves. Fertilize them in spring and summer. Use neem oil or protection spray. Keep leaves clean. Use the ‘baggy’ method. Get a bag and drop a calathea in.
How often should I water a Prayer Plant?
How often to water your ‘Prayer Plant’ ‘Prayer Plant’ needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0″ pot.