Why Your Prayer Plant Is Dying (And How To Save It)

With its intriguing colors and patterns, the prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a trendy houseplant that elevates your indoor space. However, like many tropical plants, it can sometimes start looking sad, brown, and droopy. This often feels like it happens out of the blue, leaving you confused about what changes have caused your leafy baby to begin to die. But your prayer plant must be dying for a reason, and it is time to turn plant detective to determine what it is. Lighting, humidity, temperature, and water can all affect the health and happiness of your prayer plant. Looking at where your plant is in your home and the different signs of ill health can help you work out what is going on and get the most out of your prayer plant.

If the color of your prayer plant's leaves has dulled, lighting may be the issue. They can lose color in low lighting and bleach in full sun. If they are not happy with the lighting they are provided with, their health will deteriorate, too. Low temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit may also be the culprit for your prayer plant dying, alongside any sudden changes in temperature. A lack of moisture could also be the cause: If the leaves are turning brown or falling off, your prayer plant needs more moisture in the soil. These plants love humidity as well, and a lack of it can often lead to ill health. Finally, consider signs that you're overwatering, such as root rot. Symptoms of root rot include wilting and yellowing leaves. 

Like many houseplants, prayer plants are a bit like Goldilocks. They thrive when the environment is just right, and can get pretty stressed (and even die) if it is too cold, too dry, or too bright. You can narrow down the cause of the issue with your prayer plant by examining it for signs and looking at its location in your home. Several issues can be fixed by simply adjusting the plant's environment.

If temperature is an issue, move your prayer plant somewhere safe from cold drafts. However, since sudden changes in temperature may do more harm than good, make changes slowly to avoid shock. If your prayer plant is getting too much sun or not enough, slowly moving it into the right lighting will hopefully bring it back from the brink of death. When moisture is the issue, add a pebble tray and mist your prayer plant daily to raise the humidity and allow it to thrive. Shift your watering schedule as needed.

Alongside the environmental changes you make to revive your dying prayer plant, it is also helpful to give it some TLC. Cut off any completely shriveled, brown, or yellow leaves, as this will help it focus on new growth. However, leave any leaves that are mostly green, as the removal of them can be detrimental to your plant's recovery. With a little bit of extra care, you can help your prayer plant renew itself and overcome the problems that are affecting its health. After a while, your prayer plant will hopefully be looking much better.