How to Grow Praying Hands
Praying Hands
Gonatanthus sarmentosus
flowerPraying Hands is a unique tropical flowering plant known for its distinctive white or pink flowers that resemble hands in prayer position. A semi-succulent native to Southeast Asia, it produces elongated, lance-shaped leaves and delicate blooms on long, arching stems. This low-maintenance houseplant is popular among collectors for its unusual appearance and spiritual symbolism.
When should you plant Praying Hands in your zone?
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Example Praying Hands timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Praying Hands
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Praying Hands blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Praying Hands dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; primarily grown as an indoor houseplant in cooler climates
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Dormancy/Tuber
2-4 monthsResting tubers or newly potted plants with minimal growth
Store tubers in cool, dry location during winter dormancy; keep soil barely moist; no fertilizing needed
Vegetative Growth
3-4 monthsNew shoots emerge and elongated green leaves develop along arching stems
Increase watering as growth resumes; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; provide warm temperatures 65-75°F
Budding
4-6 weeksSmall buds form along stems; plant growth slows as energy redirects to flower production
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to phosphorus-rich formula to encourage blooming
Flowering
2-4 monthsDistinctive white or pale pink flowers resembling praying hands open sequentially along stems
Maintain warm, humid conditions; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; continue fertilizing monthly
Post-Bloom/Decline
1-2 monthsFlowers fade, leaves may yellow; plant gradually enters dormancy for winter rest
Reduce watering gradually; stop fertilizing; allow plant to rest; can repeat cycle next growing season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil solution; isolate infested plants
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh soil if severe; consider fungicide treatment
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Spray with insecticidal soap; increase air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryPraying Hands flowers are ornamental only and not edible. No culinary applications. [source]
Indoor decoration and cut flowers
HouseholdThe striking prayer-like blooms make exceptional indoor decorations and unique cut flower arrangements that last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Perfect for spiritual or religious home decor. [source]
Floral arranging and religious symbolism
CraftPopular among flower arrangers for its unique silhouette and spiritual significance. Often used in arrangements with religious or meditative themes, and appreciated by collectors seeking unusual houseplants. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeIndoor blooms attract small pollinators like houseflies and gnats, making it useful for creating mini-ecosystem terrariums. Provides nectar source for beneficial insects in controlled environments. [source]
Traditional uses in Southeast Asia
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional medicine practices in native Southeast Asian regions, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Used primarily for spiritual or ceremonial purposes rather than therapeutic applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Praying Hands is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Cut flower stems once blooms open fully for indoor arrangements; use sterilized pruners to avoid disease transmission. Flowers last 1-2 weeks in a vase with fresh water. For seed collection, allow spent flowers to dry on the plant; collect and dry seeds for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The flowers' distinctive shape resembling hands in prayer is the source of the plant's common name; in some regions it's called 'Holy Ghost Plant' due to spiritual associations
- 🌱 Gonatanthus sarmentosus produces underground tubers that allow it to survive dormancy and regrow year after year, making it a perennial despite declining foliage
- 🌱 The plant is relatively rare in cultivation outside Southeast Asia, making it a prized collector's plant among tropical houseplant enthusiasts and a conversation starter
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