Prayer plant going downhill

[Marb67]

Well I just don't know why this once thriving plant has taken a decline as it just doesn't want to live. I have it in a warm spot, let the soil dry before watering (as advised) but it just looks pathetic.

Can anyone help me rescue yet another dying plant ?

Thanks

[Snoop Puss]

I've never had one, Marb, so not an expert. They look very pretty. Might the cultivation section of this website help? I notice no direct sunlight and minimum of 15 ºC at night. Might be a bit chillier than that if it's behind a curtain at night.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maranta_leuconeura

[Marb67]

Aaaaaaand another one is biting the dust. Kept in normal conditions and no cold. This has been thriving for a while but suddenly (as with most plants I have) starts dying for no reason.

[Martin H]

They die for me too, Marb. If you find out how to keep them happy, please let us know!

[Marb67]

I have read prayer plants like to really dry out before watering. I also read prayer plants don’t like to dry out and need constant moisture. Why don’t these “experts” have a clue ? My soil has been moist but the end result is still death.

[lottie dolly]

I have this with mine as well,it gets so far then dies back,but i have been lucky that mine has twince now come back to life,have you tacken it out the compost and had a look at what the roots are like,mine has got very pale green leaves since it's last reincarnation,so this year i will leave it till spring and repot it,ifact i have had the same with a few different ones,it is just trial and error,you are not alone

[Nicos]

I have read prayer plants like to really dry out before watering. I also read prayer plants don’t like to dry out and need constant moisture. Why don’t these “experts” have a clue ? My soil has been moist but the end result is still death.

I have absolutely no idea …but here’s a thought on what you’ve read…

Might it mean keeping it moist in warmer weather/ indoor house temperatures …and keeping it drier during cool conditions?

They are native to the Brazilian rainforest so warm, moist conditions fit well with that. Most plants don’t like sitting in wet compost when it’s cold, so again, that might tie in with that too?

I’m guessing the interior of your home/ most uk homes don’t offer Brazilian rainforest sort of temperatures nor humidity- particularly in winter, so it’s sort of a plant just sitting there waiting to fail, unless you can offer some sort of compromise.
Hence my thoughts on warm and moist and cold and dry suggestions. Even if the leaves can cope, the roots might not be happy?
They’re just my rambling thoughts mind!

[Star goose]

That's sad happening twice...it's root rot, Marb. The soil mix you used is not really suitable to grow this type of plant - it's too dense and Maranta needs air around the roots. I would add far more perlite to your mix, maybe 30-40% perlite, just to open up the soil structure. It'd be better if you could add a few other materials such as orchid bark if you already have some.

If you wonder how the soil should look like, google "House of Kojo houseplant potting mix". That's the kind of look you'd like to achieve for your Maranta. You don't need to let this type of soil dry as the root always has air around it (but don't keep it like a swamp though).

There's a good Yourtube video on air in the conventional houseplant soil. If you watch this, you might get an idea why we'd like to use "open" soil for indoor plants. Good luck with your next Maranta. Don't give up!
What is good drainage and how does it work? - YouTube