Types of Prayer Plant Varieties: The Complete Guide

If you’ve ever admired the striking patterns and colors of prayer plants, you're not alone. These captivating beauties are a favorite among plant lovers, not just for their looks but also for their unique, daily ritual of folding their leaves in the evening, as if in prayer. With so many different varieties, each with its own personality and charm, there's a perfect prayer plant out there for every home.

This guide will take you on a journey through some of the most popular prayer plant varieties, offering a peek into their distinctive features and care needs. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting to fill your home with greenery, you'll find plenty of useful tips to keep your prayer plants thriving.

Maranta leuconeura 'Erythroneura' (Red Veined Prayer Plant)

Let's kick things off with a classic favorite—the Maranta leuconeura 'Erythroneura', commonly known as the Red Veined Prayer Plant. This plant is easily recognizable thanks to its dark green leaves adorned with bright red veins that look like they’ve been painted on with a fine brush. The leaf surface also features a feather-like pattern, making it a true showstopper.

Caring for the Red Veined Prayer Plant is fairly straightforward, as long as you meet its basic needs:

• Lighting: This variety thrives in indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
• Humidity: Loves humidity, so consider misting regularly or placing it near a humidifier.

If you notice the leaves curling or browning at the edges, it might be a sign that your plant needs more humidity. Finding the right spot in your home can make all the difference for this prayer plant.

Maranta leuconeura 'Kerchoveana' (Green Prayer Plant)

The Maranta leuconeura 'Kerchoveana', or Green Prayer Plant, is another popular variety that's easy to spot with its unique leaf pattern. Its leaves are light green with darker splotches that resemble the markings of a spotted animal, giving it a charming, wild look.

Here’s how to keep your Green Prayer Plant happy:

• Lighting: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid letting it sit in water.
• Temperature: Keep it in a warm spot, away from drafts and cold windowsills.

This variety is more forgiving than others, making it a great option for beginners. Just remember to keep it away from direct sun, and it will reward you with its lovely foliage.

Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant)

Next up is the Calathea makoyana, often called the Peacock Plant due to its stunning leaf patterns that mimic the feathers of a peacock. This plant is a bit of a diva, requiring more attention, but its beauty makes every effort worthwhile.

To keep your Peacock Plant thriving, pay attention to these care tips:

• Lighting: Needs bright, indirect light. Too much sun can fade its vibrant colors.
• Watering: Maintain evenly moist soil, but allow the top inch to dry out before watering again.
• Humidity: This plant craves high humidity, so mist often or use a pebble tray with water.

Calathea makoyana can be fussy about water quality, so using distilled or rainwater can help prevent leaf spots caused by hard water.

Calathea orbifolia

Calathea orbifolia is the epitome of elegance with its large, round leaves featuring silvery stripes. This variety adds a touch of sophistication to any room, making it a favorite among plant people who love to decorate with plants.

Here’s how to keep your Calathea orbifolia in top shape:

• Lighting: Prefers low to medium indirect light. Too much light can cause its leaves to curl.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid letting it dry out completely.
• Temperature: Likes warm temperatures, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Calathea orbifolia can be sensitive to changes, so try to keep it in a stable environment and avoid moving it too often.

Maranta leuconeura 'Kim' (Kim Prayer Plant)

For those who love a bit of variety, the Maranta leuconeura 'Kim' offers a delightful mix of colors and patterns on its leaves. This variety features green leaves with cream and dark green patches, making it a unique addition to your plant collection.

Keeping your Kim Prayer Plant healthy involves:

• Lighting: Thrives in medium indirect light. Low light can dull its colors.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but don’t let it dry out completely.
• Fertilizing: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

The Kim Prayer Plant is quite forgiving, making it a great choice for those who want a bit of color without too much fuss.

Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)

If you’re looking for something a bit different, the Calathea lancifolia, or Rattlesnake Plant, might just be what you need. With its long, wavy leaves adorned with dark green spots on a lighter background, it’s a true conversation starter.

Here’s how to keep your Rattlesnake Plant striking:

• Lighting: Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
• Humidity: Loves humidity, so mist regularly or place it near other plants to create a microclimate.

The Rattlesnake Plant is a bit more resilient, making it a good choice for those who want an eye-catching plant without too much hassle.

Calathea zebrina (Zebra Plant)

Calathea zebrina, or the Zebra Plant, is a standout with its striking striped leaves. The light and dark green stripes resemble a zebra’s coat, creating a bold statement piece for any plant lover’s collection.

To keep your Zebra Plant looking sharp, consider these tips:

• Lighting: Prefers medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

The Zebra Plant can be finicky about humidity, so keeping it in a bathroom or kitchen with higher humidity levels can help it thrive.

Calathea roseopicta (Rose-Painted Calathea)

The Calathea roseopicta, known as the Rose-Painted Calathea, is famous for its striking foliage. The leaves are dark green with a unique pattern of pink to white lines that look as if they’ve been painted on, creating a stunning display.

Here’s how to keep your Rose-Painted Calathea in top condition:

• Lighting: Bright, indirect light is best. Keep out of direct sun to prevent leaf scorching.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to avoid root rot.
• Humidity: Needs high humidity, so consider using a humidifier or pebble tray.

With its showy foliage, the Rose-Painted Calathea is sure to be a conversation piece. Just remember to be consistent with its care to keep it looking its best.

Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime'

Last but certainly not least, the Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime' is a vibrant variety that adds a splash of color to any space. Its leaves are a mix of green, yellow, and lime, making it a refreshing addition to your plant family.

To keep your Lemon Lime Prayer Plant thriving, follow these care tips:

• Lighting: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, being careful not to overwater.
• Temperature: Keep in a warm environment, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

The Lemon Lime Prayer Plant is relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for adding a pop of color without too much fuss.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a closer look at some of the most popular prayer plant varieties you can bring into your home. From the bold patterns of the Zebra Plant to the elegant stripes of the Calathea orbifolia, there's a prayer plant to suit every style and preference. Remember, while each variety has its unique needs, all prayer plants benefit from a little extra humidity and consistent care.

At Cafe Planta, we’re passionate about helping you find the perfect plants for your space and providing the support you need to care for them. Whether you’re searching for a new addition to your collection or need advice on plant care, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out via email or connect with us on Instagram. Let’s grow together and make your home a greener, more beautiful place.