Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) are beloved for their striking foliage and fascinating movement, folding their leaves at night like hands in prayer. However, despite their beauty, they can be quite finicky when it comes to watering. If you’ve noticed curling leaves, yellowing, or overall droopiness, improper watering could be the culprit. Avoiding these common mistakes will help your prayer plant thrive. So, what are the watering missteps you should steer clear of?

7 Watering Mistakes That Could Leave Your Prayer Plant Unhappy

1. Overwatering: Drowning Your Plant’s Roots

While prayer plants love moisture, too much water can suffocate the roots and lead to root rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul smell from the soil.

How to Avoid It?

Check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels damp, wait a few more days.
Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Water less frequently in winter when the plant’s growth slows down.

2. Underwatering: Depriving Your Plant of Essential Moisture

Just as too much water is harmful, not watering enough can also lead to stress. Dry, crispy leaf edges and curling leaves are signs of underwatering.

How to Fix It?

Stick to a consistent watering schedule.
Ensure the plant is in a pot that retains some moisture but drains excess water.
Consider bottom watering occasionally to encourage even moisture absorption.

3. Using Hard or Chlorinated Water

Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and other minerals that can be harsh on prayer plants, causing brown leaf tips and stunted growth.

Better Alternatives?

Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater for best results.
Let tap water sit overnight before using it to allow chlorine to evaporate.
If using tap water, occasionally flush the soil with distilled water to remove mineral buildup.

4. Watering at the Wrong Time of Day

Did you know that timing matters when it comes to watering? Watering at the wrong time can either lead to excessive evaporation or prolonged dampness, increasing the risk of disease.

When Should You Water?

Early morning is best, as it allows moisture to be absorbed before the heat of the day.
Avoid watering at night, as excess moisture can encourage fungal growth.

5. Inconsistent Watering Habits

Do you sometimes forget to water for weeks and then flood your plant all at once? Inconsistent watering confuses your plant, leading to stress and erratic growth.

How to Maintain Consistency?

Set reminders to check your plant’s soil regularly.
Stick to a schedule, adjusting slightly based on temperature and humidity.
Observe your plant’s behavior; drooping leaves might mean it’s thirsty.

6. Not Adjusting Watering Based on Season

Your prayer plant’s water needs change throughout the year. Giving it the same amount of water in winter as in summer can be problematic.

What’s the Seasonal Difference?

In summer, your plant will need more frequent watering due to higher temperatures and increased evaporation.
In winter, reduce watering since the plant’s growth slows down and soil takes longer to dry out.
Adjust based on humidity levels—higher humidity means less watering is needed.

7. Neglecting Drainage

Even if you water correctly, poor drainage can trap excess moisture, leading to root rot and unhappy plants.

How to Improve Drainage?

Use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the pot to prevent water from sitting at the roots.
Avoid letting your plant sit in standing water; empty the saucer after watering.

FAQ

1. How often should I water my prayer plant?

It depends on the environment, but typically once every 5-7 days. Check the top inch of soil before watering.

2. Why are my prayer plant’s leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering. Make sure the soil is well-draining and that you’re not watering too frequently.

3. Can I use tap water for my prayer plant?

Tap water can contain harsh chemicals. If possible, use filtered, distilled, or rainwater. If using tap water, let it sit overnight before watering.

4. What’s the best time of day to water my prayer plant?

Early morning is ideal, as it allows the plant to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.

5. How do I know if my prayer plant is getting too much water?

Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, a soggy soil surface, and a musty smell from the roots.

6. Should I mist my prayer plant?

Yes, prayer plants appreciate humidity. Mist them occasionally, but avoid excessive misting that can lead to fungal issues.

7. What happens if I forget to water my prayer plant for a long time?

The leaves may start curling, browning at the edges, or drooping. Water it gradually to help it recover.