Prayer Plants (Maranta, Calathea & Allied Genera)
Prayer Plants represent the botanical family Marantaceae, celebrated worldwide for intricate herringbone patterns, deep purple leaf undersides, and dynamic daily movement. These tropical rainforest understory plants are entirely non-toxic to cats and dogs and thrive in gentle medium indirect light with high ambient humidity.
Prayer plants open their broad foliage flat during daylight to capture dappled light, then fold vertically at dusk like hands folded in prayer. This rhythmic movement is driven by the pulvinus—a specialized swollen joint at the base of each leaf that changes turgor pressure in response to light transitions.
Stocked Marantaceae Cultivars & Species
Explore botanical genera (Maranta, Calathea/Goeppertia, Stromanthe, Ctenanthe) across our collection.
| Cultivar / Trade Name | Botanical Genus & Species | Foliage Characteristics | Light Preference | Pet Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Prayer Plant | Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura | Velvety olive-green leaves with vivid carmine red herringbone veins | Medium indirect | Check species-level source |
| Lemon Lime Prayer Plant | Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime' | Electric chartreuse veins contrasting over dark emerald blotches | Medium indirect | Check species-level source |
| Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe) | Goeppertia ornata | Deep glossy black-green leaves with delicate brushstroke pink lines | Medium to bright indirect | Check species-level source |
| Calathea White Fusion | Goeppertia 'White Fusion' | Marvelous marble marbling of pure white, lilac, and seafoam green | Bright indirect (high humidity) | Check species-level source |
| Calathea Dottie | Goeppertia roseopicta 'Dottie' | Nearly black inky purple leaves glowing with neon fuchsia border rings | Medium indirect | Check species-level source |
| Ctenanthe Amagris | Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' | Silvery pale green leaves etched with dark green ribs and purple undersides | Low to medium indirect | Check species-level source |
Prayer Plant Care at a Glance
Medium to bright indirect light (100–350 fc). Avoid harsh direct rays which bleach markings.
Sensitive to tap water chemicals. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater to prevent crispy brown margins.
Moisture-retentive yet aerated: 50% coco coir, 30% perlite, 20% peat moss/worm castings.
55%–75% RH. Group with other tropicals or place near a cool-mist humidifier for pristine foliage.
Currently Stocked Prayer Plants & Calatheas
Calathea Medallion (Goeppertia roseopicta 'Medallion')
Goeppertia roseopicta 'Medallion'
Check the Exact Species Before Calling It Pet-Safe
Some Marantaceae taxa have ASPCA non-toxic listings, but PALMA does not treat family membership as a blanket pet-safety guarantee. Verify the exact plant name and source scope before relying on a pet-safety claim.