Prayer plants, belonging to the Marantaceae family, are tropical perennials primarily from the Maranta genus, though closely related genera like Goeppertia, Ctenanthe, and Stromanthe are often included under the common name. The name “prayer plant” derives from their nyctinastic movement, where leaves fold up at night as if in prayer. Other common names include herringbone plant, rabbit tracks, or cathedral windows, reflecting their intricate leaf patterns. The Maranta genus, named after 16th-century botanist Bartolomeo Maranta, includes about 40–50 species prized for ornamental foliage.
Prayer plants were first documented by European botanists in the 18th century during explorations of Central and South American rainforests, where indigenous peoples used them for basket weaving, food (from starchy roots), or medicinal purposes. Their popularity as houseplants grew in the 19th century, with a surge in the 20th century during the houseplant boom of the 1970s, driven by their vibrant leaves and adaptability to indoor conditions. Today, social media and plant enthusiast communities have further popularized them for their aesthetic appeal.
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, prayer plants thrive in the humid, shaded understories of these regions. They grow as low, creeping perennials, often spreading across the forest floor in warm, moist environments with dappled light. This natural habitat informs their need for high humidity, indirect light, and consistent moisture when cultivated indoors, making them well-suited for terrariums or humid rooms.
Prayer plants are characterized by their oval or lance-shaped leaves, typically 2–6 inches long, with intricate vein patterns, spots, or stripes in shades of green, red, or silver, often with contrasting undersides. Their leaves exhibit nyctinasty, folding upward at night and opening during the day, a trait driven by pulvini (joint-like structures). Growing 6–36 inches tall, they form dense, clumping foliage with slender stems. While they can produce small, tubular flowers, their vibrant foliage is the primary draw.
Prayer plants are primarily grown as ornamental houseplants, valued for their colorful, patterned foliage and dynamic leaf movements, adding texture and vibrancy to homes, offices, or terrariums. They contribute to indoor air quality by increasing humidity and are popular in low-light spaces like bathrooms or shaded corners. In their native regions, some species have edible roots or are used in traditional crafts, while globally, they’re favored in interior design for their tropical aesthetic and relatively easy care, appealing to both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Prayer (Maranta) Plants
Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
The Lemon Lime Prayer Plant features oval green leaves with lime-green and yellow veining, growing 6–12 inches tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil, needing regular misting. Its vibrant, citrusy foliage adds a cheerful pop to indoor spaces.
Red Prayer Plant
The Red Prayer Plant has dark green leaves with red veins and yellow-green midribs, growing 6–12 inches tall. Native to Brazil, it prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with consistent moisture. Its bold, red-veined foliage is a striking choice for tropical displays.
Green Prayer Plant
The Green Prayer Plant features green leaves with dark brown to black splotches, resembling rabbit tracks, growing 6–12 inches tall. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil. Its classic, patterned foliage suits terrariums or low-light corners.
Black Prayer Plant
The Black Prayer Plant has dark green, almost black leaves with silver veins, growing 6–10 inches tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, sensitive to overwatering. Its moody, compact foliage adds elegance to small spaces.
Orbifolia Prayer Plant
The Orbifolia Prayer Plant boasts large, round, pale green leaves with silvery stripes, growing 1–2 feet tall. Native to Bolivia, it thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil. Its broad, lush foliage creates a bold, tropical statement.
Peacock Prayer Plant
The Peacock Prayer Plant features oval, pale green leaves with dark green feather-like patterns and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its intricate, peacock-like foliage is ideal for vibrant indoor displays.
Rattlesnake Prayer Plant
The Rattlesnake Prayer Plant has long, narrow, green leaves with dark green spots and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. Native to Brazil, it needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil. Its wavy, rattlesnake-like leaves add a dynamic, tropical vibe.
Pinstripe Prayer Plant
The Pinstripe Prayer Plant features dark green leaves with pink or white pinstripes and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing careful watering. Its elegant, striped foliage suits sophisticated decor.
Medallion Prayer Plant
The Medallion Prayer Plant has round, dark green leaves with silver-green medallion patterns and burgundy undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil. Its intricate, medallion-like foliage is a collector’s favorite.
Roseopicta Prayer Plant
The Roseopicta Prayer Plant features dark green, oval leaves with pink or cream markings and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing regular misting. Its vibrant, rosy patterns add a lush, tropical feel.
Dottie Prayer Plant
The Dottie Prayer Plant has near-black leaves with vibrant pink spots and veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil, sensitive to direct sun. Its bold, contrasting foliage creates a dramatic indoor accent.
Fusion White Prayer Plant
The Fusion White Prayer Plant features green leaves with white variegation and purple undersides, growing 6–12 inches tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing consistent moisture. Its rare, variegated foliage adds a delicate, artistic touch.
Beauty Star Prayer Plant
The Beauty Star Prayer Plant has dark green leaves with pink stripes and silver patches, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil, benefiting from regular misting. Its colorful, star-like patterns make it a vibrant houseplant.
Never Never Plant
The Never Never Plant features long, gray-green leaves with dark green stripes and purple undersides, growing 2–3 feet tall. Native to Brazil, it thrives in medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its tall, patterned foliage adds a graceful, tropical vibe.
Burle Marx Prayer Plant
The Burle Marx Prayer Plant has oval, green leaves with dark green fishbone patterns, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil, tolerating lower light. Its compact, intricate foliage suits terrariums or small spaces.
Triostar Prayer Plant
The Triostar Prayer Plant features long, green leaves with cream, pink, and white variegation, growing 2–3 feet tall. Native to Brazil, it needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, sensitive to dry air. Its vibrant, multicolored foliage is a showstopper.
Stromanthe Prayer Plant
The Stromanthe Prayer Plant (Stromanthe thalia) has glossy, green leaves with creamy variegation and burgundy undersides, growing 2–3 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil, needing regular misting. Its elegant, two-toned foliage adds a tropical flair to indoor spaces.
Corona Prayer Plant
The Corona Prayer Plant features large, dark green leaves with silver-green centers and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with consistent moisture. Its bold, circular patterns make it a striking houseplant.
Exotica Prayer Plant
The Exotica Prayer Plant has dark green leaves with light green feathering and pinkish veins, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil. Its intricate, exotic patterns add a lush, tropical aesthetic.
Amagris Prayer Plant
The Amagris Prayer Plant features small, silvery-green leaves with fine dark veins and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating lower light. Its delicate, silvery foliage is perfect for terrariums.
Network Prayer Plant
The Network Prayer Plant has light green leaves with intricate, mosaic-like yellow-green veining, growing 1–2 feet tall. Native to Brazil, it thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil, needing careful watering. Its unique, net-like patterns add a subtle, artistic charm.
Silver Band Prayer Plant
The Silver Band Prayer Plant features dark green leaves with a broad, silvery-green band and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil, needing regular misting. Its bold, silvery contrast adds a sleek, modern touch to indoor spaces.
Maranta Fascinator
The Maranta Fascinator has dark green leaves with bright red veins and yellow-green midribs, growing 6–12 inches tall. Native to Brazil, it prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Its vibrant, intricate veining makes it a striking addition to terrariums or shelves.
Eternal Flame Prayer Plant
The Eternal Flame Prayer Plant has large, oval green leaves with dark green patterns and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, requiring regular watering. Its bold, flame-like patterns add a vibrant, tropical flair to displays.
Fishbone Prayer Plant
The Fishbone Prayer Plant has oval, green leaves with dark green, fishbone-shaped patterns, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil, tolerating lower light. Its intricate, herringbone-like patterns make it a charming houseplant.
Roseoline Prayer Plant
The Roseoline Prayer Plant features dark green leaves with delicate pink pinstripes and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, sensitive to overwatering. Its fine, rosy lines add a refined, elegant touch to interiors.
Silhouette Prayer Plant
The Silhouette Prayer Plant features dark green leaves with silvery-green centers and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with consistent moisture. Its contrasting, silhouette-like patterns add a modern, artistic flair.
Sanderiana Prayer Plant
The Sanderiana Prayer Plant has dark green leaves with white pinstripes and purple undersides, growing 1–2 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil, sensitive to direct sun. Its delicate, striped foliage suits elegant, tropical displays.
Corona Green Prayer Plant
The Corona Green Prayer Plant has large, dark green leaves with light green centers and subtle veining, growing 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil, needing careful watering. Its lush, circular patterns make it a vibrant houseplant.