Also known as Prayer Plant · 0 saves
Goeppertia
Goeppertia, the genus most gardeners know as prayer plant. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Goeppertia varieties
3 species of Goeppertia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Goeppertia in Sow
Save the Goeppertia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Goeppertia
Whats common across all Goeppertia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Goeppertia year
- PruneMarch–December100% of varieties
Remove yellowed, damaged, or dead leaves at the base of the plant as they appear throughout the year.
- FertilizeApril–August100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during the active growing season.
- Check for PestsJanuary–December100% of varieties
Regularly inspect the undersides of the large leaves for spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips.
- PropagateMarch–May67% of varieties
Divide mature clumps during spring repotting, ensuring each division has healthy roots and shoots.
Do
- Water with distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater to prevent leaf tip burn.
- Maintain ambient humidity levels above 60% to keep foliage margins supple.
- Wipe the broad leaves periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain respiration.
- Isolate the plant immediately if spider mites or mealybugs are detected.
- Use distilled water or rainwater to prevent mineral salt buildup.
Avoid
- Do not allow the potting medium to dry out completely.
- Do not use municipal tap water containing chlorine or fluoride.
- Do not allow the potting medium to dry out completely or become waterlogged.
- Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight, cold drafts, or temperatures below 50°F.
What goes wrong with Goeppertia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage. | Isolate the plant, wash the leaves thoroughly with tepid water, and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. |
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses in leaf axils and on the undersides of the large leaves. | Dab pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat with systemic insecticides. |
| Thrips | Silvery patches and tiny black fecal specks on the foliage, leading to leaf distortion. | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil and hang blue sticky traps near the plant. |
| Aphids | Distorted or curled new growth and sticky honeydew residue on foliage. | Wash the foliage with a gentle stream of water or treat with insecticidal soap. |
| Root rot | Wilting leaves despite wet soil, accompanied by black, mushy roots and a sour odor. | Repot immediately into fresh, well-draining soil, prune away decayed roots, and reduce watering frequency. |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots with yellow halos forming on the foliage. | Avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation around the plant, and remove severely affected leaves. |
| Fungal leaf spot | Dark brown or black spots with yellow halos appearing on the foliage. | Avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation around the plant, and remove affected leaves. |
Making more Goeppertia
Division
- Perform division in spring when repotting the active plant.
- Gently slide the plant out of its container and shake away loose soil to expose the rhizomes.
- Use a clean, sharp knife to divide the rhizome cluster, ensuring each division has several healthy leaves and a robust root system.
- Pot the new divisions into a moist, well-draining peaty mix and maintain high humidity until established.
Root Division
- Gently remove the mature plant from its container during spring repotting.
- Carefully tease apart the rhizomes, ensuring each section has several healthy leaves and roots.
- Cut the connecting rhizome with a sharp, sterile knife.
- Pot each division into a fresh, moist, peaty potting mix and keep in warm, humid conditions.
Goeppertia questions
How many types of Goeppertia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Goeppertia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 0 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Goeppertia grow in?
Across its varieties, Goeppertia covers USDA Zones 10–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Goeppertia bloom?
Most Goeppertia varieties bloom in spring, summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Goeppertia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.