Maranta leuconeura, commonly known as the Prayer Plant, is an evergreen perennial herb native to Brazilian tropical rainforests. It typically grows to 30 cm (12 in) in height and width, forming dense clumps with strikingly-marked oval leaves, each up to 12 cm (5 in) long. The leaves exhibit a unique circadian movement, folding upward at night as if in prayer, which is the origin of its common name. The variegated foliage is two-toned, with patches that may be light green, green, brownish, or dark gray, depending on the cultivar. The underside of the leaves can range from light green to deep red. This species spreads horizontally, rooting at each leaf node, and is well-adapted to the forest floor’s dappled light and high humidity.

The Prayer Plant is favored for its low maintenance and striking foliage, making it a popular houseplant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires high humidity, which can be maintained through regular misting. The soil should be well-drained with high humus content, and the plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Water requirements are moderate, with consistently moist soil during the growing season and reduced watering in the cooler months. It is sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 15 °C (59 °F). In cultivation, it is often used for its ornamental leaves in container plantings or as a ground cover in warm, humid climates. While generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs in dry conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0