The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a type of tropical perennial plant native to the Brazilian rainforest. It is often grown in homes as a houseplant due to its attractive, decorative foliage. Its scientific name is Maranta leuconeura, and it is part of the Maranta genus of plants, which includes the popular calathea and stromanthe.
Prayer plants are fairly easy to grow and maintain, as long as you provide them with bright indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and moist soil. They can also tolerate low light conditions, making them ideal for growing indoors. It is concerning when you notice your prayer plant turning yellow. This can be a sign of too much direct sunlight, overwatering, or an infestation of pests. If you notice yellowing leaves, make sure to adjust your care routine to remedy the issue.
Common causes for a prayer plant turning yellow
There are a number of common causes for a prayer plant turning yellow, and the fortunate news is that most of them are easy fixes. It will take some time and effort though, and the first step is identifying the most likely cause or causes and addressing them promptly.
Overwatering & poor drainage
Overwatering and poor drainage can cause yellowing prayer plant leaves. When a prayer plant is overwatered, the soil becomes overly saturated, preventing oxygen from reaching the roots. This can cause root rot, which prevents the plant from taking up water and nutrients properly. Poor drainage also leads to root rot, as the soil remains wet for too long, leading to anaerobic conditions which can cause the roots to rot. In both cases, the plant will become unable to take up nutrients, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To prevent root rot and yellowing of the leaves, it is important to water the prayer plant only when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure that the plant has adequate drainage.
Underwatering
Underwatering is one of the most common causes of yellowing prayer plant leaves. When the plant does not receive enough water, the leaves start to dry and turn yellow. This is because the plant is not getting the moisture it needs to remain healthy and vibrant. The leaves may also become limp and start to curl. In order to prevent this from happening, it is important to provide the plant with adequate water. This should be done on a regular basis, as prayer plants are prone to drying out quickly.
If the plant is receiving too little water, then the leaves will begin to yellow and dry out. It is also important to make sure the soil is not too wet or too dry, as this can also cause leaf yellowing. Finally, it is important to make sure the plant is receiving enough light, as too little light can cause the leaves to yellow as well. If the plant is receiving the correct amount of water and light, then it should remain healthy and vibrant.
Too much sunlight
Excessive direct sunlight can cause the leaves of the Prayer Plant to turn yellow due to the leaves becoming sunburned or dried out. Sunburn occurs when the leaves are exposed to too much direct sunlight and the chlorophyll that is responsible for the green hue of the leaves begins to break down. The leaves of the Prayer Plant will start to turn yellow and become crispy. Sunburn can also cause the leaves to become discolored or mottled with brown spots.
Too much direct sunlight can also cause the leaves of the Prayer Plant to dry out, which will lead to yellowing leaves. When the leaves become dry, they will start to curl and turn yellow. The best way to prevent this is to keep the soil moist and provide some shade for the plant, such as placing it in a spot where it will only get morning or afternoon sunlight. In addition to too much direct sunlight, yellowing leaves can also be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or a lack of nutrients. Make sure to monitor the soil moisture level and fertilize the plant regularly to prevent yellowing leaves.
Low humidity
Low humidity is one of the most common causes of yellowing prayer plant leaves. Prayer plants are tropical plants that require high levels of humidity to thrive. When the humidity levels drop, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. This is because the plant is not able to absorb enough moisture from the air to stay healthy. Without enough moisture, the plant will become dehydrated, leading to yellowing of the leaves.
To prevent yellowing leaves due to low humidity, it is important to make sure the environment around the plant is at an optimal level of humidity. This can be done by misting the leaves regularly, placing a pebble tray filled with water near the plant, or using a humidifier. Additionally, it is important to make sure the plant is not in direct sunlight or near a heat source, which can cause the humidity to drop even further. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to move the plant to a more humid location.
Nutrient deficiency
Nutrient deficiency, iron deficiency in particular, is one of the most common causes of yellowing prayer plant leaves. These plants require specific nutrients to stay healthy, and if they are lacking any of these essential nutrients, it can cause the leaves to yellow. Common nutrients that prayer plants require include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
When any of these nutrients become deficient, the leaves of the prayer plant will start to yellow. If the yellowing is due to a nutrient deficiency, the best course of action is to apply a fertilizer that is high in the nutrients that the plant is lacking. It is important to make sure that the fertilizer is specifically designed for use on prayer plants as using too much of a general fertilizer can cause further damage to the plant. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the fertilizer is applied according to the instructions on the package to avoid over-fertilizing the plant. With the right amount of care, prayer plants can continue to thrive and remain healthy.
Cold exposure
Cold exposure is a common cause of yellowing prayer plant leaves. Prayer plants are tropical plants that need warm, humid temperatures to thrive. When exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves of the prayer plant may start to yellow and develop brown spots. This is a sign of cold stress and can be prevented by keeping the temperature around the plant consistently warm. Cold drafts or air conditioning can cause the leaves to yellow, so be sure to keep the plant away from any sources of cold air. They do their best at over 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, be sure to keep the plant away from any direct sources of heat, as this can also cause the leaves to yellow.
Pests and disease
Pests and diseases can have a devastating effect on houseplants, especially if they are left unchecked. Spider mites and Helminthosporium leaf spot are two of the most common culprits that can cause yellow leaves on a prayer plant.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the leaves of plants. They can cause yellowing, stippling, and webbing on leaves. They are especially attracted to dry, warm, and dusty environments. To control spider mites, you can use a strong spray of water to knock them off the plant or use an insecticidal soap.
Helminthosporium leaf spot is caused by a fungal pathogen. It is characterized by circular spots with yellowish-brown margins and grayish-green centers. The spots are usually found on the lower leaves but can spread all over the plant. To prevent this disease, it is important to make sure that the plant is not overcrowded and that the soil is well-draining. In addition, regular pruning of infected leaves can help to reduce the spread of the disease.
To fix a prayer plant that has been infected with spider mites or Helminthosporium leaf spot, it is important to first remove any affected leaves. Next, make sure the plant is in a well-ventilated area and that the soil is dry and free of debris. Finally, it is important to use a pesticide or fungicide to kill any remaining pests or spores.
Aging foliage
Aging foliage is one cause of yellowing prayer plant leaves. As the plant matures and its leaves age, they can start to yellow due to a decrease in the amount of chlorophyll they contain. This chlorophyll is responsible for turning light energy into food for the plant, and as the leaves age they produce less and less of it. This can cause the leaves to become yellow or even brown in color. As the aging leaves start to die, they can also block light from reaching the younger leaves, causing them to yellow as well. To help keep your prayer plant healthy, make sure to regularly prune off any older, yellowing leaves and replace them with new growth.