A prayer plant, also known as Maranta, is a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts for its unique foliage and magical moving habits. Yet, some may wonder if these fascinating plants also have the ability to produce flowers.
So, do prayer plants flower?
Yes, they do. Like many indoor plants, a prayer plant blooms from time to time, depending on its growing conditions. If you’re curious about this flowering plant too, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ll explore the blooming potential of prayer plants. From the factors that influence flowering to tips on proper care, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of this peculiar plant.
Prayer Plants: A Quick Overview
A prayer plant, also known as Maranta leuconeura, is a tropical indoor plant native to Brazil. It’s admired for its enchanting, vibrant foliage, which can be green, red, pink, or yellow.
Quick trivia:
Did you know why it’s called a prayer plant? It’s because Maranta’s leaves bend down during the day, and rise upward at night—just like praying hands.
Furthermore, this plant is well-known for its ability to purify the air and enhance indoor air quality. It’s also a low-maintenance houseplant, making it a popular choice for many plant parents.
Do Prayer Plants Flower?
The answer is yes, prayer plants do bloom flowers. Some argue that this is a rare occurrence, while some vouch that their mantra regularly flowers. In any case, a prayer plant’s flowering capability always depends on its growing conditions.
Prayer plants should be grown in bright, indirect light, moist soil, and high humidity. Bear in mind that if their growing conditions aren’t met, your Maranta may not bloom or will produce fewer flowers.
Additionally, take note that prayer plants are slow-growing plants. They may take several years to reach maturity and produce flowers.
Factors That Affect the Flowering Capability of Prayer Plants
Now, let’s dig deeper and explore the important elements that affect your plant babies.
Several factors influence the flowering capability of prayer plants. These factors include light, temperature, and soil.
Light plays a crucial role in the flowering of prayer plants. Lack of adequate light can prevent blooming and cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Likewise, temperature can impact the flowering of your Marantas. Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can prevent prayer plants from blooming.
Aside from those, remember that proper soil moisture is crucial for prayer plants too. Overwatering or allowing the soil to dry out completely can cause stress to the plant and prevent blooming.
Furthermore, variables such as humidity, fertilization, and the age of your Marantas also determine whether your Marantas will bloom flowers or not. Here’s why:
- Humidity: These plants benefit from high humidity levels. Consider using a humidifier or placing a water tray near the plant to maintain the proper humidity level.
- Fertilization: Regular fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season is important for a prayer plant’s health and blooming.
- Age: Prayer plants typically don’t begin to bloom until they’re well established and at least several years old.
What to Do With Prayer Plant Flowers?
Maranta’s flowers are typically small and inconspicuous, so they’re often not the highlight of the plant. If you don’t intend to show off prayer plant flowers, just like many houseplant keepers, you can simply get rid of them.
To do this, just pinch or snip off the flower blooms by their stems after they’ve bloomed. Deadheading will help to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed and flower production.
This can help promote the new growth of healthy and vibrant foliage as well. More so, it also encourages the plant to bloom more often in the future.
On the other hand, if you prefer to display its vibrant flowers, you can simply let the plant bloom. Just remember to snip off the wilted blossoms for healthy upkeep.
Do Prayer Plant Flowers Have Seeds?
As a flowering plant, prayer plants naturally produce seeds. Although, unlike other plants, the seeds of Maranta are relatively tiny, making them hard to collect and propagate.
The tiny flowers of a prayer plant produce a single seed after they wither. The seeds can be collected, and with the proper process, they can grow into healthy baby Marantas.
However, if you really intend to grow new prayer plants, seed propagation may not be the most efficient way. Many plant enthusiasts prefer propagating Marantas through stem cutting.
Prayer Plant Flowers: Tips on Making Them Bloom
Prayer plants are known for their unique foliage and aren’t typically grown for their tiny flowers.
However, if you would like to encourage blooming in prayer plants, here are some steps that might help:
1 – Provide Adequate Light
Prayer plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Although, don’t place them under direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
2 – Maintain the Right Temperature
These plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C), with a drop in temperature at night to around 50-55°F (10-13°C).
3 – Keep Soil Moist
Prayer plants prefer moist soil, so it’s ideal to water them at least once a week.
4 – Provide Humidity
These plants also benefit from high humidity levels, so consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant.
5 – Fertilize Regularly
Feed your prayer plants monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizers will provide the essential nutrients they need for flower production.
By following the steps above, you may be able to encourage blooming in your prayer plant. Although it isn’t guaranteed, these steps will make your Marantas happy and healthy.
FAQs
What Does the Flower Look Like?
The flowers of a prayer plant are relatively small and petite, depending on its species (among 40-50 variants).
It has three petals with two staminodes—similar to sweet peas, that are bilaterally symmetrical. The flowers are normally a mix of white and purple in color.
Why Is My Prayer Plant Flowering?
As an indoor flowering plant, Maranta naturally blooms to get pollinated, grow seeds, and reproduce. Yes, you can propagate prayer plants through their seeds—if you’re up for a challenge.
When Do Prayer Plants Flower?
As a tropical plant, Marantas usually bloom during the warmer months—spring and summer. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the growing conditions and the age of your plant.
On top of that, keep in mind that not all Marantas flower regularly. If you’re concerned about your plant not blooming, it might just be too young or in need of better growing conditions.
Some mantras don’t even flower at all, and it’s totally normal.
How Often Do Prayer Plants Flower?
Prayer plants may or may not regularly flower, depending on several factors. This includes the growing conditions of the plant, its age, and overall health.
Under ideal growing conditions, prayer plants can bloom several times a year, especially during warm seasons. However, if the plant isn’t receiving enough light or if the soil is too dry, it may not flower as frequently, or not at all.
Final Thoughts
Prayer plants bloom flowers depending on many factors. However, blooming isn’t certain and is influenced by several factors. These factors include light, temperature, and the age of the plant.
If your prayer plant ever blooms, keeping the flowers in tack is totally up to you. Just remember that the blooming of Marantas has its pros and cons.
As mentioned above, Marantas flowers can reduce the plant’s energy to make healthy and vibrant foliage. So, you may prefer to snip the flowers off if the unique foliage is your priority.
In the end, whether or not Marantas bloom flowers isn’t the defining factor of their charm as indoor plants. Their unique foliage, ease of care, and aesthetic appeal to any living space make them a valuable and worthwhile addition to your home.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.