Chris Buckland
The lemon-lime prayer plant, with its decorative leaves, is a well-known and distinguishable tropical plant. This houseplant has leaves blended with three colors: Green, velvet, and yellow. These colours cascade down the midrib with curving red veins traveling towards the leaf margins, giving it a unique texture. The flowers of this elegant lemon lime plant are white in color and give it the calm look it is famous for.
I’m sure you must be wondering why it is called a prayer plant?
Well, the leaves of the lemon-lime plant open up in the bright daylight and close at night, making it look like praying hands. So that’s how it got its name!
The lemon-lime prayer plant belongs to the Marantaceae family and is also known as the prayer plant. It thrives splendidly in moist soil and demands regular misting to maintain humidity. The lemon-lime prayer plant is native to South America, Asia, and Brazil.
The Prayer plant is a slow-grower and reaches up to a height of one foot while indoors. This fantastic non-toxic plant is a common houseplant, and you can plant it indoors any time of the year.
If you are thinking of adding lemon-lime to your plant collection, here’s some exciting information about this plant.
Characteristics of Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
General Information
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Genus | Maranta |
| Species | M. Leuconeura |
| Botanical Name | Maranta leuconeura |
| Common Name | Prayer Plant, Lemon Lime |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Mature Size | 6-12 Inches Tall, 6-12 Inches Wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial Shade, Full Shade |
| Soil Type | Moist but Well Drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral to Acidic |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | White |
| Hardiness Zone | 11, 12 |
| Origin | South America, Brazilian Tropical Forests |
| Leave Size | 6 Inches on Maturity |
Table 1.1: General Information of Maranta Leuconeura (Lemon Lime Prayer Plant)
Lemon Lime Prayer Plant Basic Care Guide
The lemon-lime prayer plant is a spreading and low-growing plant. It needs the best growth environment, including moist soil, gentle airflow, and lots of fertilizer to thrive excellently.
Here is a detailed caring guide for your lemon-lime prayer plant!
Soil
Your lemon-lime prayer plant can grow well in any houseplant potting mix. However, the following recipe is well-suited for this plant.
One part potting soil
One part peat moss or coconut coir
One part perlite
Make sure the potting mixture is well-draining. A pot with holes will allow drainage, and perlite improves the potting mixture drainage well.
If you’re thinking of growing lemon-lime plants outdoors, the same conditions are well-suited for this plant. The pH range of well-draining soil must be from 5.5 to 6, and its USDA hardiness zones are 11 and 12.
Watering
If you notice that the leaves of your lemon-lime prayer plant are curling towards its center, it means they are thirsty. The prayer plant hates to stay dry, so ensure regular watering. However, over-watering can damage the plant, and so does the dry soil. So make sure to keep the soil moist. Watering your prayer plant once a week will keep it healthy.
Do you know your lemon-lime prayer plant goes into a dormant stage every winter?
Watering it at this stage can damage the plant, so, reduce showering your prayer plant in the winter season. Another thing to keep in mind while watering your plant is never to use tap water. Distilled, filtered, or rainwater works best for the lemon-lime prayer plant.
Light
Filtered bright sunlight is best suited for the lemon-lime prayer plant. Direct sunlight can lead to scorching of the leaves and end in killing the whole plant. Therefore, keeping it in shady windows protects the plant. Here is a complete guide on How Much Light Does Your Plant Need?
Temperature
Temperature plays an essential role in plant growth; therefore it should not be left out when it comes to planting care. The lemon-lime prayer plant loves to have temperatures between 15.5°C to 26.7°C (60°F to 80°F). A temperature below 15.5°C (60°F) will damage the leaves of your plant.
Humidity
The lemon-lime prayer plant is a humidity lover. Ensure misting it regularly and maintain a 65% humidity level at your place to keep your plant refreshed. A humidifier can maintain the air humidity well.
A container or tray full of water is another best way to keep the required humidity level. As the water evaporates, the air moisture begins to rise. Know more about What is High Humidity and How to Increase Humidity for Your Houseplants.
Fertilizer
For the steady growth of your lemon-lime prayer plant, fertilizer is essential. Feed your prayer plant every two weeks from spring to fall.
Dissolve half a strength of water-soluble fertilizer for this houseplant. It helps in establishing your lemon-lime plant in the growing phase.
For houseplants, high-quality fertilizers should be your priority. The same goes for this plant, as low-quality fertilizer can damage the entire plant. Avoid fertilizing your plant in the cold season as the plant is dormant in this season and doesn’t grow much.
Pruning
Pruning gives a sophisticated look to this plant. Trimming the yellowish or infectious foliage helps promote vigorous new growth of your plant.
Spring is the ideal season to prune your prayer plant. In spring, this plant can recover from pruning strain quickly. However, you can prune your plant at any time as there is no schedule for that.
Tips for Growing Your Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
- Water-loving lemon-lime prayer-plants enjoy a warm shower more! Water at room temperature can also work for this plant.
- Ensure good drainage of the container you are using for your prayer plant. Adding rocks or gravel pieces will improve the drainage.
- Provide sufficient indirect sunlight to let your lemon-lime pray more.
- Mist your prayer plant once every week. Make sure to avoid over misting the leaves as it will permit bacterial or fungal infections.
- Water your prayer plant when the soil seems dry.
- Improve the humidity level by placing other houseplants with your lemon-lime prayer plant. A humidifier can also help in this regard.
- Regularly check your plant for any pests or bugs, especially in the dry winter months.
Click here to find out more about caring and growing tips for your houseplants!
Common Problems with Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny creatures commonly found in indoor and outdoor plants. It’s hard to see them through the naked eye. However, the webbings they leave on the plant’s leaves are a sign of their presence. The leaves get a dusty look due to these webbings.
Spider mites have various color ranges including green, brown, and black.
This plant grows well in high humidity, whereas these pests cannot bear such high levels. To avoid spider mites, take care of your prayer plant with proper moisture.
Other symptoms of spider mite’s presence are yellowing of the leaves and brown spots. The pest itself looks like black dots and feeds on the tissues and sap of the plant.
Washing your plant with a stream of water can help remove them. Herbal pesticides and repellents like neem oil are the most common and are best to suffocate and prevent these pests.
To avoid any future pests issues and infections, wash the leave’s undersides regularly. Keep your lemon-lime prayer plant dry and clean.
Mealybugs
If you notice a white, powdery material on your lemon plant; it’s mealybugs. The plant’s leaves will get curly with a sticky substance on them. This sticky substance is known as honeydew and it facilitates the sooty mold to grow faster and invites ants and pests to the plant.
Eradicate mealybugs as soon as possible to prevent their spread to the surface of other plants. You can do that by dabbing the bugs with alcohol-soaked cotton balls.
Brown Leaf Tips
Excessive sunlight striking the lemon-lime prayer plant turns the leaf tips brown and curly. Chlorine or salts in tap water can also be responsible for this condition. If the entire leaves are turning brown, humidity or less water could be the reason behind it.
Filtered water is best to solve the problem. Watering the plant overnight in a bucket can help speedy recovery. You can also relocate your prayer plant to a shady place. If the problem persists, trim the unhealthy leaves of the lemon-lime prayer plant. Soon it will bloom stunning green leaves.
Your prayer plant is unhappy when it turns brown or curly, so examine the plant’s root system if it is rotting and retaining excessive water.
Leaf Spot
A leaf spot is a plant disease that causes water-soaked spots on the surface of leaves. Leaf spot damages the foliage of the plant severely, and if not taken care of, can kill it.
To reduce the damage and spreading of leaf spot disease, avoid overwatering your prayer plant. Do not allow the plant’s leaves to be moist for too long. To treat the infection, use neem oil to clean the leaves of your plant.
Root Rot
This plant has fine roots and is shallow enough to get root rot. Therefore, make sure this plant grows in well-draining soil. The pot containing this plant must have at least one hole for drainage.
Take proper care of the plant and if you see any sign of root rot, instantly check for the root ball. You can cure root rot by trimming the unhealthy roots. Also, repotting your lemon-lime prayer plant can help save it from further damage.
Where and How to Style a Lemon-lime Plant?
If you are looking for aesthetic plants to add a stunning view to your home, a lemon-lime prayer plant is an ideal option!
You can’t get enough of this prayer plant. This magical creation of nature with perfect blending colors and detailing will amaze you every time you see it.
This plant is the one you need, to add a decent yet trendy look to your home.
Keep reading to know-how!
Place in A Well-Lit Area
A window could be a perfect location for this plant to glow differently. Why a window? You must be thinking! Prayer plants search for bright and indirect sunlight to open and close their glossy green leaves. Also, placing it in a shady area will protect this plant’s leaves from scorching.
Lemon Lime Plant Can Tolerate Low Light
Yes, absolutely! A prayer plant can grow well in low light, so no need to worry about this plant. Ensure you place it in a shady area with good airflow.
Choose a Simple Yet Elegant Pot for Your Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
While looking for a pot that suits your lemon-lime plant, keep in mind the leaves of this aesthetic plant. The pot should be well aerated and draining to avoid damage to the leaves of the prayer plant. Also, select a pot that goes well with your home’s interior design. Mostly, a hanging basket or floor planter goes with it all.
Why Opt for the Lemon-lime Prayer Plant?
Not only is this Plant pleasing to the eyes, but it gives your home a fresh feel.
Here are a few reasons why you should go for this plant:
Low-Maintenance Plant
Every houseplant needs a little care to bloom well. This plant is also one with simple needs. Humidity, good airflow, and pest control tactics are few things to make your prayer plant the beauty of your home.
Lemon Lime Prayer Plant Is Non-Toxic
A perfect example of a non-toxic houseplant, the lemon-lime prayer plant is the safest plant to have indoors. Still, we recommend keeping your pets and children away from this plant. You never know what nature brings with it!
FAQs
How much sun does a lemon lime prayer plant need?
This houseplant is vivacious and attractive, with bright green leaves and delicate flowers, but it requires regular sunlight to thrive. Lemon-lime prayer plant prefers indoor spaces with plenty of natural light.
If possible, place the plant near a sunny window so that it can soak up as much sunlight as possible. Be careful not to overwater the plant if it is placed in a sunny spot, as too much water can lead to root rot.
If natural light is not available, a bright artificial light source should be used instead. Keep the plant away from drafty windows, which can cause leaf damage.
How big does a lemon lime prayer plant get?
The lemon lime prayer plant can be quite large, but it is hard to say how big they will get. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and equally wide. If you want to make sure that your prayer plant stays small, you can cut off some of the leaves. This will make it stay smaller.
Is lemon lime prayer plant toxic to cats?
The Lemon lime prayer plant is toxic to cats and can cause serious health complications and even death.
If your cat ingests any part of these plants, they can develop mouth, liver, or kidney disorders. They may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
Conclusion
This is a sophisticated and distinctive plant that is worth a shot for plant lovers. Provide it the primary care it needs, and you will get a delightful lemon lime plant in no time.
The unique foliage makes the prayer plant stand out among various stunning houseplants, so it is a must-have piece in your favorite plant collection.
So get this vibrant plant to give your home a lively look!
