Maranta leuconeura, commonly known as the Prayer Plant, gets its nickname from the way its leaves open during the day and fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil and other parts of South America.
How to care for the Prayer Plant indoors in Toronto:
☀️ Light:
Prefers bright, indirect light and should be protected from strong direct sunlight.
Best placed near east- or north-facing windows, or west-facing windows with protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Too much light can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant colors or even get scorched.
🌡️ Temperature:
Ideal temperature range: 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F).
Sensitive to cold; damage can occur below 12°C (54°F). In winter, keep away from cold drafts and chilly window sills.
During Toronto’s summer heat waves (30°C+), ensure good ventilation and cooling.
💧 Watering:
Likes consistently moist soil, but is sensitive to overwatering.
Water when the top layer of soil feels dry; keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy.
Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
💦 Humidity:
Thrives in high humidity. Low humidity may cause leaf tips to dry out or curl.
Use a humidifier, mist the plant regularly, or place it on a pebble tray with water to boost humidity.
A humidifier is especially helpful during Toronto’s dry winters.
🌱 Soil:
Use a well-draining, airy potting mix such as indoor plant soil mixed with perlite and coco coir or peat.
🌿 Fertilizer:
Feed once a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
Stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
📝 Extra Tips:
During summer heat waves, move the plant to a shaded, well-ventilated spot and mist in the morning and evening or use a humidifier.
In winter, keep the plant warm but avoid direct exposure to hot air from heaters, which can cause dryness.
叶蝉竹芋 Maranta leuconeura，也叫“祈祷草Prayer Plant”，它之所以有“祈祷草”这个俗称，是因为叶片在白天张开，晚上会自动合上，像是“祈祷中的双手”。它的原产地是巴西等南美洲热带雨林地区。
在多伦多室内环境养护叶蝉竹芋的方法：
☀ 光照：
喜明亮的散射光，避免强烈直射日光。
适合放在东窗、北窗，或西窗但避免午后直晒。
光照太强会让叶片失去色彩，甚至灼伤。
🌡 温度：
最适温度：18°C~27°C
不耐寒，低于12°C可能受损，冬天要远离冷风和窗边低温。
夏天如遇多伦多高温（30°C+），注意降温通风。
💧 浇水：
喜湿润，但不耐涝。
表层土变干时就可以浇水，保持盆土略微潮湿。
冬季要减少浇水，避免根部积水。
💦 空气湿度：
喜高湿，湿度低会导致叶尖干枯卷曲。
建议用加湿器、喷水、或将植株放在水盘石子上方来增加湿度。
在多伦多冬天尤其需要加湿器。
🌱 土壤：
使用排水良好的泥炭基质（如室内植物土 + 珍珠岩 + 椰糠），保持透气。
🌿 肥料：
生长期（春夏）每月施一次稀释的液体肥料。
秋冬停止施肥。
📝 小贴士
夏天如遇热浪天气，可将植物移至阴凉、通风处，早晚喷水或开启加湿器。
冬天要防寒保暖，但也要防止热风直吹或干燥。
Source from chat.openai. Organized and translated by Qiuye. Not for reprint. 不得转载！