When it comes to keeping plants, whether they’re a prayer plant, an orchid, or merely a good old-fashioned houseplant you stumbled upon at the store, one of the most common questions is: do prayer plants need darkness at night? It can be difficult to differentiate between what each species needs in terms of sunlight and shade because different types of greenery tend to require varying amounts and levels.
However, for those curious about how much light a prayer plant should get and if it even needs darkness during nighttime hours – we’ve got you covered! Read on to find out everything there is you need to know about care instructions for your precious (and often quite decorative) plant.
Do prayer plants need darkness?
Prayer plants, native to Brazil, are popular houseplants for their beautiful foliage and easy care. But do these delightful plants need darkness to thrive? The answer is yes! It might not seem intuitive — we usually put plants in areas of our home that are brightly lit.
But prayer plants depend on dark periods of 8-12 hours every day to stay healthy. If you want your prayer plant to look its best and last for many years, give it some intentional darkness.
To meet the dark requirement, consider keeping your plant away from natural light sources in the evening or invest in a timer switch for artificial lighting. With these accommodations, you will be able to enjoy your prayer plant and have it remain lush and vibrant all year.
Can a prayer plant survive in a dark room?
Prayer plants, also known as Maranta leuconeura, are often kept in homes and offices as humble yet elegant houseplants. But one of the most frequent questions asked is whether they thrive in dark, windowless rooms. Prayer plants originated from tropical rainforest areas, which always receive light from some source — either the sun or the illuminated undergrowth beneath the trees above.
As such, prayer plants need light to photosynthesize and convert energy for their survival, so placing them in a dark room would likely kill them over time. A room with little natural light can be supplemented with an artificial source to keep your prayer plant alive and flourishing!
How much light does a prayer plant need indoors?
Prayer plants are prized for their waxy green leaves, each of which has a splash of contrasting colors down the center. This ornamental indoor plant needs a healthy amount of light to thrive. Without direct sunlight, the leaves will not be as vibrantly colored and may even droop a bit.
Place the plant near a window where it can receive bright indirect light for hours at a time to keep it happy and healthy. If you’re looking to add some extra luster to your prayer plant, get it unboxing sunlight with UV rays from time to time. With the proper environment, your prayer plant will outshine all other potted plants!
What room is best for the prayer plant?
Although prayer plants are quite forgiving and easy to care for, there is one spot in the home that truly brings out the best in them: a bright, but indirect room that doesn’t receive too much direct light. If you’re being realistic with yourself, your kitchen or bathroom is probably off the table – too much steam and intense light respectively – however, a living room or bedroom will make for an ideal home for your green friend.
Not only do these warmer settings provide solid humidity levels, but they also typically have enough indirect light from windowsills and skylights to satisfy. Prayer plants aren’t dependent on any specific room in the house; Lord knows my grandmother still rocks hers in her office space!
Conclusion: Do prayer plants need darkness at night?
After exploring whether or not prayer plants need darkness at night, it is evident that the answer is yes. Prayer plants do best when placed in an area of the house where there is consistent darkness for about 12 hours a day. This provides these plants with time to rejuvenate and give off the best quality of foliage.
Additionally, since prayer plants are tropical species, they enjoy bright indirect sunlight during the day as it helps them absorb nutrients needed for growth and overall health. When considering where to place your prayer plant at home, be sure to find a location that will provide complete darkness throughout part of the day and plenty of indirect sunlight during intervals between short and long days.
Lastly, although this review offers general advice on how to care for prayer plants, remember that each varietal can have its own specific needs—so it is important to check up on any specifics related to your particular variety before taking action!
