A Comprehensive Guide to 21 Stunning Species of Prayer Plants

If you’re a plant enthusiast like me, you probably appreciate the beauty and charm of prayer plants. These houseplants, known for their unique habit of lifting their leaves upward at night, are not only fascinating but also incredibly stunning due to their varying foliage patterns and colors.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 21 of the most breathtaking species of prayer plants that you can easily grow at home. From Ctenanthe to Goeppertia and Maranta, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. So, let’s dive in and discover the beauty of these captivating plants.

The Enchanting World of Prayer Plants

Table of Contents

Prayer plants belong to the Marantaceae family and are primarily native to Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and other regions in South America. These plants are known for their unique ability to move their leaves in response to light, making them a fascinating addition to any indoor garden.

Here are some of the stunning species of prayer plants that you can grow at home:

Ctenanthe:

Ctenanthe is a genus within the Marantaceae family, with species native to various regions in South America. These plants exhibit the characteristic leaf movement of prayer plants, making them a delightful addition to any collection.

Burle Marxii: This species features paddle-shaped leaves with a distinct fishbone pattern, giving it the common name “fishbone prayer plant.” The maroon undersides of the leaves add to its beauty, making it a striking choice for a hanging basket.
Lubbersiana: Unlike other prayer plants, Lubbersiana boasts marbled yellow and cream variegation on its foliage, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance. This Brazilian native, also known as “bamburanta,” is a standout choice for plant enthusiasts.
Setosa: The ‘Grey Star’ variety of Ctenanthe setosa features long elliptical leaves with a pale silver hue and reddish-purple undersides. With a height of up to five feet, this variety adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

Goeppertia:

Formerly classified under the Calathea genus, Goeppertia plants are known for their stunning foliage patterns and colors. With species originating from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, these plants are a visual delight for any plant lover.

Concinna: The ‘Freddie’ variety of Goeppertia concinna features ovate, pointed leaves with a pale, silvery green color and a dark green herringbone pattern. With an upright growth habit, ‘Freddie’ adds a touch of sophistication to any space.
Crocata: Goeppertia crocata boasts large, dark green leaves with purple undersides and wavy textures. The bright, golden orange flowers of this Brazilian native add a pop of color to any indoor garden.
Elliptica: Goeppertia elliptica features long, pointed leaves with thin white stripes on a medium green backdrop. With an upright growth habit, this species adds a touch of elegance to any room.
Fasciata: Goeppertia fasciata showcases large, rounded leaves with broad dark green stripes and midribs. The contrasting light green to gray stripes add depth to its appearance, making it a striking choice for indoor decor.
Kegeljanii: The ‘Network’ cultivar of Goeppertia kegeljanii features a fine green and yellow mosaic pattern on its foliage, giving it a unique and captivating look. With an upright growth habit, ‘Network’ is sure to stand out in any collection.
Insignis: Goeppertia insignis, also known as “rattlesnake plant,” features alternating large and small dark green blotches on its light green foliage. The wavy texture of its leaves and purple undersides add to its exotic charm, making it a must-have for plant enthusiasts.
Lietzei: The ‘Fusion White’ cultivar of Goeppertia lietzei boasts a marbled pattern of white and green variegation on its leaves, giving it a unique and artistic appearance. With a compact growth habit, ‘Fusion White’ adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor space.
Louisae: The ‘Maui Queen’ cultivar of Goeppertia louisae features pointed, oval-shaped leaves with a creamy feathered pattern along the midrib and purple undersides. With an upright growth habit, ‘Maui Queen’ is sure to make a statement in any room.
Makoyana: Goeppertia makoyana, also known as “peacock plant,” boasts glossy, oval-shaped leaves with a semi-translucent appearance. The creamy tops with dark green splotches radiating from the midvein create a stunning cathedral window effect, making it a striking choice for any indoor garden.
Orbifolia: Goeppertia orbifolia features broad, round leaves with bold silver and green stripes and pale green undersides. With a height of up to three feet, this species adds a touch of elegance to any living space.
Ornata: Goeppertia ornata, or “pinstripe plant,” showcases dark green leaves with thin pinkish white stripes, creating a unique and artistic appearance. With an upright growth habit, ‘Beauty Star’ adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor collection.
Roseopicta: Goeppertia roseopicta, also known as “rose-painted calathea,” features a stunning display of wide green stripes, a pink midrib, and emerald green margins on its leaves. The purple undersides add to its exotic charm, making it a standout choice for any plant enthusiast.
Rufibarba: Goeppertia rufibarba, or “furry feather calathea,” boasts wavy, dark green leaves covered with tiny hairs, giving it a soft and fuzzy texture. With an upright growth habit, this species stands out for its unique texture and appearance.
Veitchiana: The ‘Flamestar’ cultivar of Goeppertia veitchiana features a colorful mix of yellow highlights and green variegation on its foliage, creating a vibrant and striking appearance. With an upright growth habit, ‘Flamestar’ is sure to add a pop of color to any indoor space.
Warszewiczii: Goeppertia warszewiczii, or “jungle velvet,” showcases large, velvety leaves with dark green coloring and burgundy undersides. With showy, red and white flowers, this species adds a touch of elegance to any indoor garden.
Zebrina: Goeppertia zebrina, or “zebra plant,” features large, elliptical leaves with light and dark green stripes, creating a striking appearance. With a fountain-like shape, ‘Zebrina’ adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor collection.

Maranta:

Marantas, pronounced “ma-RAN-tah,” are a genus of prayer plants native to Central and tropical South America. With their unique leaf movement and stunning foliage patterns, Marantas are a beloved choice for indoor gardens.

Leuconeura: ‘Lemon Lime’ and ‘Fascinator’ are popular cultivated varieties of Maranta leuconeura, known for their colorful foliage and unique patterns. With spreading growth habits and eye-catching appearances, these varieties are sure to captivate any plant enthusiast.
Thalia: Stromanthe thalia, also known as S. sanguinea, features dark green leaves with pale midribs and reddish-purple undersides. The showy red and white inflorescence of this species adds a pop of color to any indoor garden, making it a standout choice for plant enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, prayer plants offer a unique and captivating addition to any indoor garden. With their stunning foliage patterns and colors, these plants are sure to delight any plant enthusiast. Whether you prefer the symmetrical patterns of Goeppertia or the marbled foliage of Maranta, there’s a wide range of species to choose from.

So, raise your hands and embrace the beauty of prayer plants in your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a novice gardener, these stunning species are sure to captivate your heart and elevate your indoor space.

Which of these gorgeous plants are your favorites? Do you prefer the spreading varieties or the more upright ones? Let us know in the comments and share your prayer plant babies with us. Happy gardening!