Prayer Plant
Goeppertia spp.
Also known as
Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant, Rattlesnake Plant
Phipps - 137 by User:Piotrus (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Partial Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
13b
USDA zone
18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2m | Max | 1m |
50cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Prayer Plant
Prayer Plant Overview
The genus Goeppertia has been contested in the scientific community for some time, with plants being moved from this genus to the related genus Calathea and, since 2019, many species have been reclassified and moved back to Goeppertia. It is further complicated by the fact that plants are still sold under their previous name, Calathea! Nonetheless, the genus Goeppertia is now considered to contain around 250 species. These plants originate from the Americas and they are found growing naturally across Southern Mexico to Tropical America. They are commonly known as Prayer Plants, referring to their habit of raising and lowering their leaves over the course of a day. They are popular foliage plants and many species and cultivars are grown indoors as houseplants. Adapted to understory light in their natural environment, they cope well with the lower levels of natural lighting found in homes, but like as much humidity as you can provide!
Common problems with Prayer Plant
How to propagate Prayer Plant
Division
Divide in spring. Remove stems with roots and replant to new areas.
Cuttings
Can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Remove cleanly from the mother plant, ensuring the cutting includes a node. Allow the wound to close and place on soil or in water and wait for roots to develop. Roots usually grow first to seek out water, followed by new leaves. This may take anywhere from a week to a few months.