The Prayer Plant is a beloved, low-growing houseplant known for its strikingly patterned, colorful foliage and its distinctive daily movement. Its common name refers directly to this unique habit, but it often leads to confusion about the plant’s true botanical identity. Understanding the correct names, the science behind its movement, and its specific care needs is essential for successfully growing this appealing tropical plant.
Names and Classification
The plant commonly known as the Prayer Plant is scientifically named Maranta leuconeura. This species is the most popular representative of the Maranta genus, which belongs to the Marantaceae family. The species name leuconeura translates to “white-veined,” referencing the prominent pale veins often found on the leaves.
The plant is native to the tropical rainforest understory of Brazil, where it grows as a low, spreading groundcover. It is known by several other common names based on its leaf patterns. These include the “Herringbone Plant” due to the fishbone-like pattern of its veins, or “Red-Veined Prayer Plant” for varieties with strong red coloration. The popular variety, Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana, is sometimes called “Rabbit Tracks” because of the dark blotches on its foliage.
The Unique Leaf Movement
The common name “Prayer Plant” stems from its behavior of folding its leaves upward at night, visually resembling hands clasped in prayer. This daily rhythmic leaf motion is a biological phenomenon called nyctinasty, which is the plant’s response to the light and dark cycle. During the day, the leaves lie flat and open, maximizing the surface area available to capture sunlight for photosynthesis.
As light levels decrease in the evening, the leaves move into a vertical position. This movement is facilitated by the pulvinus, a specialized, joint-like structure located at the base of the leaf blade. The pulvinus contains motor cells that change size by rapidly shifting water pressure (turgor pressure), causing the leaf to bend. This nightly closure is thought to help reduce water loss through transpiration and protect the foliage from temperature fluctuations in its humid native environment.
Essential Home Care
To successfully cultivate Maranta leuconeura indoors, its tropical origins must be closely mimicked, particularly regarding light and moisture. The plant requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant leaf patterns. Direct exposure to intense sunlight should be avoided, as it can easily scorch the leaves and cause the colors to fade. An ideal placement is near a north or east-facing window, or slightly shaded near a south or west-facing window.
The Prayer Plant needs its soil to be consistently moist but never waterlogged, as saturated conditions quickly lead to root rot. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering helps maintain this balance. The plant is sensitive to the minerals and chemicals found in hard tap water, which can cause brown, crispy leaf tips. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is recommended.
The plant thrives in a warm environment, ideally between 65°F and 80°F, and is intolerant of temperatures below 60°F or cold drafts. High humidity is a requirement for this species, which naturally grows in the moisture-rich air of the rainforest. Maintaining air humidity above 50% is beneficial. This can be achieved by placing the plant near a humidifier, grouping it with other plants, or using a pebble tray filled with water.