Prayer industrial plant belong to the Marantaceae family , a chemical group of herbaceous perennials know for their cosmetic leafage and unique leaf movements . Botanically , they are classify under several genera , with Maranta being the most iconic , though relate genera like Stromanthe and Ctenanthe also come under this common name . These plant are monocots , characterized by parallel - veined leaves , and are closely related to other tropical species like bananas and gingers . Their classification highlights their adaptation to shaded , humid environment , where their distinctive traits have develop .
The forcible appearance of prayer plant is a cardinal hooking for industrial plant enthusiasts . Their leaves are typically broad , ellipse , or lance - shaped , display a range of color from deep green to silvery tones , often accented with intricate vein patterns or diversification . The undersides frequently counterpoint with vivacious hues like purple or red , adding deepness . Most notably , their leaves exhibit nyctinasty — folding upwardly at night like hand in appeal — driven by specialized cellular phone called pulvini at the leaf bases , respond to promiscuous and circadian speech rhythm .
aboriginal to the tropical regions of Central and South America , prayer flora thrive in the understory of rain forest , where they welcome dappled Christ Within and high humidity . Their raw habitat spans country like Brazil , Colombia , and Peru , with some species also found in parts of the Caribbean . This origin explains their preference for affectionate , moist experimental condition and their sensitivity to cold or dry air travel , making them well - befit to indoor finish in climates that mime their native environs .
In full term of USDA Hardiness Zones , prayer plants are not frost - patient of and are best maturate out of doors in zones 11 - 12 , where temperatures rest systematically lovesome . Elsewhere , they are democratic as houseplant , thriving in controlled indoor circumstance with temperatures between 65 - 80 ° F ( 18 - 27 ° century ) . They fight below 60 ° atomic number 9 ( 15 ° C ) and require protection from drafts , aligning with their tropic base and special adaptability to temperate mood .
entreaty plants serve primarily decorative purposes , treasure for their striking leafage that enhances homes , offices , and shaded patios . Beyond aesthetic , some species within the Marantaceae family have practical uses — sure Maranta roots , for model , yield arrowroot starch , a traditional thickening broker . As houseplants , they also contribute to air humidity and volunteer a calming presence , though their elemental appealingness remains their visual sweetheart and dynamic leaf behavior .
Varieties of Prayer Plants
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Kerchoveana ’ ( Rabbit ’s Foot Prayer Plant )
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Erythroneura ’ ( Red Prayer Plant )
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Fascinator ’ ( Tricolor Prayer Plant )
Ctenanthe burle - marxii ( Fishbone Prayer Plant )
Stromanthe thalia ‘ Magicstar ’
Ctenanthe setosa ( Grey Star )
Stromanthe sanguinea ‘ Triostar ‘
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Kim ’
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Marisela ’
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Beauty Star ’
Stromanthe ramosissima
Stromanthe sanguinea
Stromanthe thalia
Ctenanthe amabilis
Ctenanthe lubbersiana
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Lemon Lime ’
Stromanthe sanguinea ‘ Magicstar ’
Ctenanthe oppenheimiana ‘ Tricolor ’
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Silver Band ’
Ctenanthe compressa
Maranta arundinacea ( Arrowroot Plant )
Stromanthe porteana
Ctenanthe pilosa ‘ gold Mosaic ’
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Green Prayer ’
Ctenanthe dasycarpa
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Silver Feather ’
Stromanthe jacquinii
Ctenanthe glabra
Maranta leuconeura ‘ Fantasy ’
