Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): Leaves That Fold at Night

Maranta leuconeura: The Plant That Prays Daily

From Brazil, Asia, and Africa, prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) lifts and folds its patterned leaves (red, green, brown, cream) each evening like praying hands, reopening at dawn. Small flowers insignificant; leaf colors deepen with age. Varieties: ‘Rabbit’s Tracks’, ‘Herringbone’. Needs warmth and humidity.

Care

Low to medium indirect light; keep soil evenly moist. High humidity (60%+). Warm (65–80°F). Distilled water preferred. Calathea relative.