Maranta or Prayer Plant

Light:

Medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun.

Water Requirement:

Water just before the soil surface dries, they like to stay relatively moist, but avoid letting water sit on leaves. Too little and too much water can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop from the plant. Be sure to get to know your plant in its particular placement in your home.

Fertilizer:

Monthly — Spring through Fall with fertilizer formulated for indoor plants.

Growth Habit:

Fairly low growing, spreading plants, usually maxing out at 8 inches tall, and occasionally trail. Perfect for a windowsill or hanging basket.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Called “prayer plants” because of their unique leaf movements that resemble hands coming together in prayer— they raise and lower htheir leaves from day to night as a part of their circadian rhythm. This phenomenon is called nyctinasty. Plant movements are controlled by a flux of water pressure in the pulvini (nodes at the base of the leaves). Scientists theorize these movements are meant to follow the sun and catch as much light as possible— an essential trait for a forest-floor-dwelling plant.

Known for their striking ornamental and variegated leaves, it is no surprise that Calatheas also belong to the Marantaceae family and are sometimes referred to as prayer plants. Both make reliably easy and pet friendly additions to your houseplant collection!