Prayer plants are popular ornamental plants that originate in the tropics. They have striking patterns and vibrant colored leaves that range from emerald to dark green.
Aside from their dazzling leaf patterns, these plants are popular for their ability to fold, as if in prayer, during the night.
To add, prayer plants are small and slow-growers. Therefore, they don’t need a vast space to thrive and grow.
So, what size pot should you use for a prayer plant? The pot size depends on how big your plant gets.
Below is a roundup of all the relevant information you’ll need when choosing the ideal pot for your tropical plant.
Do I Need to Repot My Prayer Plant?
Yes. We recommend that you replant your prayer plants every 2–3 years or when they show signs of overgrowth.
As they mature, they tend to grow out their roots to the point that their pots can no longer accommodate them.
It’s also worth mentioning that spring is the best season to replant your prayer plants.
Signs You Need to Repot Your Prayer Plant
Here are a few signs that indicate if your plant is ready for a new pot:
Roots Protruding From the Pot
Once you see roots coming out of your pot’s drainage holes, it means that there’s significant overgrowth.
When this happens, the roots won’t be able to find enough space inside the pot. Hence, they’ll begin to poke out of the drainage holes.
However, there could be excessive growth even if no roots are visible through the pot’s holes. One way to check is to look at the surface of the soil to see if any roots are starting to emerge.
If possible, you should also try to remove the plant from the pot to check if the roots are dense and coiling.
You’ll see that the overgrowing roots are taking the shape of the pot.
Poor Moisture Retention
Do you find yourself watering your plants more than twice a week because the soil is drying too fast? Then, this could be a sign that you need to repot your prayer plant.
Poor moisture retention is caused by the dense root system that takes up most of the space in the pot. It reduces soil quality as a result, and water drains out of the pot at a faster rate.
Multiple Plant Stems
Your plant may keep tumbling over because the pot can no longer support its weight. One reason for this is that the plant’s stems are rapidly growing and extending outward.
Dying and Discolored Leaves
Over time, you may notice that your plant has stopped growing. For example, it may have stopped producing new stems or leaves.
Second, your prayer plant may show signs of withering where the leaves are dry and curling. Then, they’ll eventually turn yellow or orange.
These symptoms can be a result of environmental stress or a fungal disease.
Since the root system is dense, the plant may struggle with retaining water. As a result, it becomes dehydrated and vulnerable.
Fungi-infected leaves have water-soaked spots or brown spots with yellow edges.
Repotting Your Prayer Plant
Before repotting your prayer plant, make sure you water it first. When the soil is soft, removing the plant becomes easier.
Prior to the transfer, remove any rotten roots. After that, prepare your new potting mix. When repotting, fill a third of the pot with potting mix and place the plant in an upright position.
Fill the gaps with more soil until the roots are no longer exposed.
In cases of fungal disease, the plant should be first treated with fungicide before it’s transferred to a brand new pot with fresh soil mix.
Meanwhile, if the plant isn’t infected with fungi, you may use the same pot as long as it’s stable enough to hold the weight of your plant.
To do this, start by trimming the roots. Then add more soil and put the plant back in.
What Kind of Pot Should I Put My Prayer Plant In?
The best types of pots should come with adequate drainage holes. For optimum growth, use wide-mouthed, shallow pots.
Avoid large containers because they make your plants prone to overwatering.
Terracotta and plastic pots are ideal because they’re non-absorbent.
Ideal Size for a Prayer Plant Pot
Prayer plants can grow up to 12 inches tall and spread out up to almost 15–18 inches. So, an ideal-sized pot would be one size larger.
The rule of thumb is that the diameter of the pot should be about two inches wider than the diameter of the plant.
For example, if the previous pot was 8 inches in diameter, look for a pot that’s about 10 inches in diameter.
Final Thoughts
You should repot your plant if it shows overgrowth or fungal disease. That’s when it helps to know what size pot to use for a prayer plant.
In general, the pot needs to be one size larger than the previous one or with a two-inch increment in diameter.
Also, remember that the material of the pot affects plant growth. So it’s best to choose terracotta or plastic pots.
We hope that these tips will help you have a better gardening experience. Happy gardening!
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.