Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Prayer plant is grown as a houseplant in most of the United States for its patterned leaves. Its leaves spread during the day and lift upward at night, giving the plant its common name.

Appearance

Growth form: This low, spreading perennial usually reaches about 6–12 in (15–30 cm) tall.
Leaves: Oval leaves carry light veins, darker blotches, or red lines, depending on the form. Their undersides range from gray green to purple green.
Flowers: Small pale flowers may appear, though houseplants bloom only occasionally.

Look-alikes

Fishbone prayer plantCtenanthe burle-marxii

Both have patterned leaves that lift at night. Fishbone prayer plant has pale leaves with repeated dark, curved stripes; prayer plant may show dark spots beside the midrib or red veins. A clear leaf photo is needed when the pattern is faint.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: humid tropical forest
indoor pots
Range: It is native to central and eastern Brazil. In cooler U.S. regions, it is grown indoors; outdoor growing is limited to very warm areas.
Preferred conditions: Give it bright indirect light, humid air, and evenly moist, well drained potting mix.

Behavior

Activity: The leaves spread during the day and lift upward at night.

Growing it

Propagation: A mature clump can be divided to start another plant.

Name and classification

About the name: The red-veined form is also known as Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura.
Varieties and forms: Leaf patterns vary widely. Other cultivated forms include 'Lemon' and 'Silver Band'.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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