Prayer Plant

Prayer plant is grown for patterned leaves that lift into a “praying” position at night. Its green, pale-marked leaves with red fishbone veins and muted purple-green undersides bring a tropical foliage accent to warm interiors. ## Foliage and placement Use it in a pot, hanging basket, or protected indoor planting where leaves can spread horizontally. Small, insignificant flowers rarely appear indoors; patterned foliage is the main ornamental feature. ## Growing conditions Provide bright, indirect light and high humidity. Keep the potting mix evenly moist during active growth, then reduce watering in winter while avoiding a fully dry root ball. Direct sun can bleach the leaves, and cold drafts or dry air can cause damage. NC State Extension lists the species at about 6–12 inches tall and 6–24 inches wide, in USDA zones 11a–11b; in cooler climates, grow it as a houseplant. See the [NC State Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/maranta-leuconeura/). ## Maintenance Wipe dust from leaves and rotate the pot for even growth. Divide the rhizomes when the plant outgrows its container, and check for spider mites or mealybugs, especially in dry indoor air.