It’s great that calatheas are safe for pets, making them one of the most popular indoor plants. This plant species can often appear tricky to care for, both for new plant owners and experienced gardeners. But there are easy things you can do to help these plants grow well and keep their leaves from getting crispy. Pay attention to how much sun and water the plant needs.
It is important to note that many Calathea varieties have been reclassified into the Goeppertia genus of plants. Both the Calathea and Geoppertia species fall under the Marantaceae family, so this change is not massive.
Despite the reclassification, many still refer to these plants as Calatheas. These plants are still listed as “Calathea” instead of “Goeppertia” in scientific journals, gardening books, and plant stores. ” This guide will cover 43 Calathea varieties, including names and pictures. Let’s dig in!.
Prayer plants are a popular, beloved houseplant known for their beautiful foliage and unique habit of raising their leaves to an upright position at night. But there is actually a diverse array of plants that fall into the prayer plant category. While they share some care needs, there are many different prayer plant varieties to get acquainted with.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most stunning prayer plant types to grow as houseplants. Whether you’re new to these charismatic plants or you’re looking to expand your collection read on to discover the wide range of prayer plant species and cultivars.
What Makes a Prayer Plant?
The term “prayer plant” refers to any plant that raises its leaves vertically at night, This nyctinastic movement gives them their common name True prayer plants belong to the plant families Marantaceae and Pilaceae, But sometimes plants in other families are called prayer plants if they exhibit this trait,
While prayer plant is a common name, there are actually several different plant genera that contain prayer plant species:
-
Maranta – This genus includes the popular red prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura).
-
Goeppertia – Formerly known as Calathea, this genus contains many prayer plants like peacock plant (Goeppertia makoyana).
-
Ctenanthe – Fishbone prayer plant (Ctenanthe burle-marxii) is a well-known member of this genus
-
Stromanthe – Stromanthe thalia ‘Triostar’ is a commonly grown prayer plant.
-
Calochone – Calochone versicolor is a lesser known prayer plant species.
Next, let’s explore some of the most popular types of prayer plants from these genera.
Top Prayer Plant Varieties
Maranta
-
Red prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) – This variety has vivid red veining against green leaves. It inspired the common name “prayer plant.”
-
Lemon lime prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoviana’) – Features bright green leaves with yellowish veins.
-
Rabbit tracks (Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana) – Has interesting blotchy variegation on its leaves.
Goeppertia
-
Peacock plant (Goeppertia makoyana) – Named for the peacock-like pattern on its foliage.
-
Zebra plant (Goeppertia zebrina) – Gets its name from the bold stripes on its leaves.
-
Rattlesnake plant (Goeppertia insignis) – Has leaves with snake-like blotches and markings.
-
Cathedral windows (Goeppertia makoyana) – Foliage looks like stained glass when light shines through.
Ctenanthe
-
Fishbone prayer plant (Ctenanthe burle-marxii) – Has leaves with a distinct fishbone-shaped pattern.
-
Golden fishbone prayer plant (Ctenanthe burle-marxii ‘Amagris’) – A variety with silver and green striped leaves.
-
Never-never plant (Ctenanthe lubbersiana) – Features unique marbled variegation.
Stromanthe
-
Stromanthe thalia – Known for its vibrant pink, white, and green leaves.
-
Stromanthe sanguinea – Has vivid reddish-purple undersides to its leaves.
-
Tricolor stromanthe (Stromanthe thalia ‘Triostar’) – Grows leaves in shades of pink, white, and green.
Growing Different Prayer Plant Types
Though prayer plants vary in appearance, most share similar care needs:
-
Bright, indirect light – Avoid direct sun, which can burn leaves.
-
Warm temperatures – 65-80°F is ideal. Keep away from cold drafts.
-
High humidity – Misting leaves or using a pebble tray can help boost moisture.
-
Even soil moisture – Water when the top inch of soil dries. Don’t let pots dry out.
-
Well-draining potting mix – Use a mix made for tropical plants.
-
Fertilizer – Feed monthly in the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
With the right care, most prayer plant species and varieties will thrive indoors! Their stunning foliage patterns and movements make them mesmerizing additions to any plant collection.
Mix and Match Prayer Plant Types
One of the joys of prayer plants is collecting different varieties to appreciate their diverse colors and designs. Here are some ideas for prayer plant pairings:
-
Combine contrasting leaf shapes like rattlesnake plant (lance-shaped leaves) and peacock plant (oval leaves).
-
Mix bold patterns like zebra plant with more subtle types like rabbit tracks.
-
Display complementary colors like tricolor stromanthe (pink, green and white) with lemon lime prayer plant (green and yellow).
-
Create a gradient with red prayer plant, pink varieties like tricolor stromanthe, and green types.
The options are endless! Choose varieties with your favorite leaf shapes, color combinations, and designs to create stunning prayer plant displays.
Caring for Different Prayer Plants
While most prayer plants have similar care needs, there are a few variety-specific tips to keep in mind:
-
Stromanthe and Ctenanthe prefer slightly cooler temperatures around 60-70°F.
-
Goeppertia like more moisture – mist leaves daily or use a pebble tray.
-
Maranta have the most demanding light requirements – provide very bright, indirect light.
-
Variegated prayer plants need brighter light to maintain leaf colors.
-
Larger varieties like stromanthe need more frequent repotting into bigger containers.
-
Monitor soil moisture closely and water marble prayer plants more frequently.
Get to know your prayer plants’ preferences, and you’ll be rewarded with their dazzling foliage!
The Allure of Prayer Plants
Prayer plants offer some of the most stunning, artistic leaves in the houseplant world. While they may require a bit more care than beginner plants, they are very rewarding. Theirfolios styles and movements make them endlessly fascinating.
With so many varieties available, you’re sure to find more than one prayer plant to add to your collection. Whether you prefer bold patterns, subtle designs, or multicolored leaves, prayer plants have you covered. Display different types together to appreciate their diverse forms. Soon these charismatic plants will have you praying for more!
Rattlesnake Plant – Crotalifera
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Plant Size: Up to 120 inches tall
- Water Needs: Water often, water when the soil’s surface is no longer wet, mist often, and keep the humidity high.
- Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light
There are two types of Calathea that are commonly called “Rattlesnake Plants.” The crotalifera is the first one, and the other is Calathea lancifolia.
Because its flower is yellow and looks a lot like the scary tail of a rattlesnake, this type is called the Rattlesnake Plant. The flower itself grows up to 10 inches long and sticks straight up.
The crotalifera was brought to Hawaii and has done well there, but it is native to Mexico and parts of Central and South America.
15 Most Beautiful Types of Prayer Plants | Prayer Plant Varieties
FAQ
How to identify a prayer plant?
What is the rarest prayer plant?
What are the different types of prayer plants?
Prayer Plant varieties encompass a diverse and captivating array of species, each showcasing unique characteristics. From the elegant Maranta leuconeura with its iconic red veins to the striking Goeppertia ornata, also known as the pinstripe plant, these plants boast vibrant foliage patterns.
Do prayer plants have flowers?
Blooms may be insignificant or spiked and enclosed by bracts. The most common prayer plant types grown are those of the species Maranta leuconeura, or peacock plant. Commonly grown as a houseplant, this species lacks tubers, has an insignificant bloom, and a low growing vining habit that can be grown as a hanging plant.
What is a prayer plant?
The prayer plant, or maranta leuconeura, is a popular houseplant due to its striking markings, vibrant colors, and easy care. There are dozens of varieties of this species with captivating names such as kitty cat, red streak, rabbit’s foot, and Laurentii.
What plants are on a prayer plant tour?
On our prayer plant tour, we’ll cover species plants as well as cultivated varieties. We’re going to meet some charming specimens, including calatheas (now considered goeppertias in terms of taxonomic classification), marantas, stromanthes, and ctenanthes.
