Maranta (Prayer Plant) propagation

The Maranta, often called the Prayer Plant, is known for its decorative leaves and striking growth pattern. If your plant has started branching out, you're in luck – this is the perfect time to propagate it. No branches yet? Then you’ll need to be a bit more patient.

Use a clean knife or pair of scissors. Rinse under hot water, dry with a clean cloth and disinfect with alcohol. This keeps bacteria and fungi away from your cuttings.

Pick a stem with at least three leaves. It’s best to cut just above another leaf node.

If you have rooting powder, apply it to the cut end. Let it dry before placing it in water. No powder? No worries. It’s still possible to root your Maranta without it, though the powder can speed things up.

Place the cutting in a vase or glass of water. Make sure no leaves are touching the water – if they are, remove them to prevent rot.

In about three weeks you may see roots or even new growth. If it's winter, growth might take longer.

Once the roots are a few centimetres long, you can plant your cutting in a pot with fresh soil. Be careful with watering at first to avoid root rot.

• Best time: spring to early autumn
• Light: lots of indirect sunlight
• Water: keep the soil lightly moist
• Note: only use cuttings with visible growth points
• Tip: change the water weekly to prevent rotting

Yes, but the more leaves and nodes your cutting has, the better the chance it will root successfully.

Once the roots are at least five centimetres long and feel strong.

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating. All methods are tested in our plant nursery and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.