Why Your Neon Prayer Plant Is Growing Sideways

If you have a neon prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) in your house, you may have noticed that it tends to grow sideways instead of upright. This can be concerning for plant owners who want their foliage to look neat and well-presented. However, there are several reasons why your plant may be growing sideways, and understanding these factors can help you address the issue and promote healthier growth.

Natural Growth Habit

Firstly, it’s important to note that the natural growth habit of the neon prayer plant is to spread out horizontally. The stems of this plant tend to grow long and vine-like, allowing the leaves to fan out. This spreading growth pattern is a natural adaptation that helps the plant capture more light in its native tropical rainforest habitat.

As a result, even when grown indoors, the neon prayer plant retains this tendency to grow sideways. So, if your plant is growing horizontally, it may simply be following its natural growth habit.

Insufficient Light

One common reason why your neon prayer plant may be growing sideways is a lack of sufficient light. Like many houseplants, the neon prayer plant requires bright but indirect light to thrive. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it will stretch and lean towards the light source, resulting in a sideways growth pattern.

To rectify this issue, try moving your plant closer to a window that receives bright but filtered light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can scorch the delicate leaves. Alternatively, you can also provide supplemental lighting using fluorescent or LED grow lights.

Uneven Lighting

Another factor that can cause your neon prayer plant to grow sideways is uneven lighting. If the light source is only coming from one direction, such as a window on the side of the plant, it will naturally lean towards that direction. This can lead to an asymmetrical growth pattern.

To prevent this, make sure to rotate your plant regularly. By rotating it every few weeks, you can ensure that each side of the plant receives equal exposure to light, promoting more even growth.

Imbalanced Watering

Improper watering practices can also contribute to sideways growth in neon prayer plants. Overwatering or underwatering can cause stress to the plant, leading to weak and floppy stems. When the stems are weak, they are more likely to bend and grow sideways instead of standing upright.

To avoid overwatering, make sure to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. It’s important not to let the plant sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the plant to become dehydrated and weaken its structure. Aim to water your neon prayer plant when the soil feels slightly dry, but not bone-dry.

Lack of Support

If your neon prayer plant has been growing sideways for a while, it may have developed a habit of leaning in that direction. As a result, the stems become accustomed to growing horizontally instead of upright. In such cases, providing support for the plant can help encourage it to grow in a more upright manner.

You can use stakes, trellises, or even small hoops made of wire to provide support for your prayer plant. Gently tie the stems to the support structure using soft ties or twine. Over time, the plant will start growing against the support and develop a more upright growth habit.

Pruning and Propagation

Lastly, pruning your neon prayer plant can help promote more upright growth. Regularly trimming back leggy or excessively long stems can encourage new growth and result in a bushier, more compact plant.

When pruning, make sure to use clean and sharp pruning shears. Cut just above a node or leaf junction to encourage new growth from that point. You can also propagate the cuttings by placing them in water or potting them directly into a well-draining soil mix.

In conclusion, if your neon prayer plant is growing sideways, there are several factors to consider. It may simply be following its natural growth habit, or it could be due to insufficient or uneven lighting. Improper watering practices, lack of support, and the need for pruning can also contribute to sideways growth. By addressing these factors and providing the necessary care, you can encourage your neon prayer plant to grow upright and thrive in your home.