Prayer plant has gained recognition worldwide in the house plant category because of its vivid colored leaves. Its stunning design and distinctive look make it a crucial component of house decor. The prayer plant occupies a valued position among houseplants because of its oval-shaped, exquisitely patterned leaves. Perhaps indoor gardeners love this plant too much.
Whether new to growing houseplants or an experienced gardener, a prayer plant is an excellent option. They will flourish with the correct amount of light, moisture, and temperature. The prayer plant receives its name from a peculiar behavior. They are unique as it raises their leaves upright at night, mimicking how little children clasp their hands in prayer. When people pray, the leaves fold into their hands.
Some of the most beautiful house plants are tropical prayer-plants.
What is a Prayer Plant?
The Prayer Plant has beautiful, painterly-like centers of light green and crimson veins on its velvety, dark green leaves. The plant’s stunning appearance makes it a popular houseplant in many homes. Owners should not be concerned about it outgrowing control because it grows slowly. These plants are mostly used as hanging plants since mature prayer plants have 6-inch leaves extending from the short middle stem and descending to the ground.
The prayer plant is a statement element for your home, providing vibrant and lovely hues. These plants use ground cover in humid regions as they grow horizontally. Although this Prayer plant is demanding, it does not require any particular maintenance or care, even though many people may not enjoy its low maintenance.
Features of Prayer Plant
A prayer plant is not easy to cultivate. Also, it has exciting leaves and can bear indoor temperature conditions. The prayer plant is slow in the process of growing plant. That can grow horizontally downward, or on any other surfaces, it is kept. People usually prefer to use these planters as hanging. Because they grow downwards and give the house a more beautiful and decorative look when we talk about prayer plants they may seem like money plants or creeper plants. But comparatively, they have slow growth; hence the owners need not worry about its spreading rapidly or excessively everywhere.
Apart from its slow growth, the specialty of this plant is that it magically folds at night time. It appears like a person’s hands in praying formation; hence, prayer plant is the best-suited name. Hence people tend to keep these plants to create more of a comfortable and aesthetic locking space for their house.
Several varieties of prayer-plants
Prayer plants need specialized care. They reopen in the early morning light, perhaps with a subtle rustling. With proper care, they make attractive additions to your collection of plants. We have below the top prayer plant species to make it easier for you to choose the ideal prayer plant. Here are a few examples of the various plant varieties:
1. Lubbersiana
Ctenanthe Lubbersiana exhibits a marbling pattern in shades of yellow and cream on its medium-green leaves. These patterns stand out because they are not symmetrical like those on other prayer plants. The plant also produces tiny, vivid flowers in the summer that enhance its lovely appearance.
Brazilian gardeners frequently refer to the “never plant” because of its rounded and oblong leaves. One of the most significant prayer plants, Lubbersiana, may reach heights of 4 feet and a width of 3 feet.
2. Setosa
You will love having setosa, sometimes referred to as the Grey Star, as a prayer plant in your house. This plant’s tall, elliptical leaves have black veins, a reddish-purple underside, and a tinge of silver colour. Whether the leaves close at night, a reddish-purple tint emerges.
It gives the plant a beautiful appearance when placed on a countertop or dining table. This kind of prayer plant is pet-friendly. Also, it makes an excellent corner décor plant because of its growth to 5 feet tall only.
3. Crocata
Another praying plant of the Geoppertia genus is called crocata, and it has broad, dark-green leaves with purple undersides. The wavy structure of the leaves gives them a very classy appearance. The name “croqueta” refers to saffron-colored blooms. This species, found in Brazil, is a golden orange tint. This upright-growing prayer plant may reach heights of up to 18 inches and a width of up to 12 inches.
4. Burle Marxii
Initially categorized as a Maranta, Burle Marxii was added to the Ctenanthe species. This plant was born in Brazil. Roberto Burle Marx, a Brazilian landscape architect, was honored with a memorial name for it. Burle Marxii has paddle-shaped leaves that are either silvery grey or a brilliant green tint.
In addition, the underside of the leaves has a vivid crimson hue that glows at night when the leaves curl. The fishbone prayer plant is another name since it has a dark fishbone design. Although this prayer plant has tiny, white flowers, they seldom ever bloom when kept indoors as houseplants.
5. Ornata
Another type of striped prayer plant is the Ornata plant. These plants have dark green leaves with soft pinkish-white stripes. The leaves look artistic because of their striped design. It appears as if it is painted with a delicate brush. It gives an exquisite appearance to your house. This plant can grow up to 1-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet broad.
Thus suitable for any corner of your house. Remember that this plant may handle a little alkaline or acidic substance. Like the Ornata, it also has pink stripes. The bright green stripes behind the pink line look like a painting rather than a plant.
Conclusion
The tropical jungles of Brazil are home to prayer plants, which are perennials. The praying plant’s behavior gives rise to its name. Its leaves are flat during the day, but at night they raise and curl inward to resemble praying hands. Although several prayer plants are available on the market, not all are ideal for home usage.
Prayer plants are great for novices. Hence if you understand how to take care of them and are aware of their needs, you can retain this plant. Also, take advantage of its unique and distinctive leaves with ease. The information above will help you determine which prayer plant to buy and the finest varieties.
Also read: Prayer Plant: How to Grow and Care Guide
