AboutDarlene K. Kittle Expertise I have been a Master Gardener for 20 years and I raise around 300 houseplants a year including tropicals, succulents, and cacti.
Experience She is also studying the Japanese art of bonsai with tropical plants and is President of the Fort Wayne, IN Bonsai Club.
Education/Credentials I am not a hortculturist. I am a Purdue University Master Gardener for over 20 years. I have studied plants on a personal level by growing hundreds of plants annually for the last 35 years. I have also studied under several nationally known American Bonsai experts.
I am trying to figure out what kind of plant this is. A friend gave it to me and Im not sure I am taking care of it properly. Could you help me identify it please.
Thankyou for you time.
Answer Marsha,
It's common name is Prayer plant because it folds up it's leaves at night. The Latin name is Maranta leuconeura. It is in too large a pot. It is a plant that likes to be root bound. It should be in a pot with a diameter about half of the one it is in.
Below is some of it's needs:
Light Requirement for Prayer Plant: Bright Light to Filtered Light
Water Requirement for Prayer Plant: Evenly Moist
Humidity for Prayer Plant: High
Temperature for Prayer Plant: House
Fertilizer for Prayer Plant: Balanced
Potting Mix for Prayer Plant: All-Purpose
Propagation of Prayer Plant: Division, Stem Cuttings
Decorative Use for Prayer Plant: Hanging Basket, Table
Care Rating for Prayer Plant: Easy
If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.
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