Prayer plants are among the most striking houseplants you can bring home, thanks to their richly patterned leaves and fascinating “folding” behavior at night.
The way their foliage lifts and closes like praying hands makes them a living piece of art in your space. If you’ve been searching for indoor greenery that offers personality and beauty, these varieties are hard to beat.
In this list, you’ll discover 9 beautiful prayer plant varieties, each with its own unique colors and leaf designs. They are easy to care for, thrive in containers, and don’t demand much from you beyond indirect light, a little humidity, and regular watering.
Beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike will find these varieties rewarding to grow. Let’s explore which one might soon brighten up your home.
#1 Kerchoveana Minima (Maranta bicolor ‘Kerchoveana Minima’)
This compact variety charms with light green leaves decorated with dark green oval spots. Its small size makes it perfect for shelves, desks, or tight corners where you want a splash of color without a large footprint.
Keep it in bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant markings. Water the soil when the top feels slightly dry, and mist the foliage during dry months to keep it lush. If you’re short on space, this prayer plant is a wonderful choice.
#2 Erythroneura (Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura)
Often called the Red-Veined Prayer Plant, Erythroneura is beloved for its dramatic contrast of glossy dark-green leaves traced with fiery red veins. The mid-leaf patterns look like brush strokes, giving each leaf a painted effect.
Place this plant in a decorative pot where its vibrant foliage can take center stage. For best growth, provide medium light and keep the soil evenly moist. Its bold appearance makes it a favorite for adding depth to plant collections.
#3 Marisela (Maranta leuconeura ‘Marisela’)
Marisela brings elegance with light green or cream herringbone-like patterns running across its leaves. The softer coloring creates a calming presence, making it a lovely choice for bedrooms or offices.
Keep it in indirect light to preserve its gentle tones. Water when the soil feels dry at the top, but avoid soggy roots. This prayer plant variety pairs beautifully with darker-leaved companions for a balanced indoor display.
#4 Kim (Maranta leuconeura ‘Kim’)
The Kim variety is eye-catching with its unique purple spots and creamy white streaks set against light foliage. Each leaf looks hand-painted, giving your home a touch of artistry straight from nature.
It thrives in warm, humid conditions, so consider placing it in the kitchen or bathroom where moisture levels are higher. Regular misting also keeps the foliage fresh. Kim is ideal for plant lovers who enjoy unusual patterns in their collection.
#5 Setosa (Ctenanthe setosa)
Setosa impresses with long, elliptical leaves that shine with a pale silver tint, bold dark veins, and striking red-purple undersides. Growing up to 3–5 feet tall, it makes a dramatic floor plant that instantly elevates a room.
Give it a spot with filtered light and plenty of space to spread. Keep the soil evenly moist and maintain higher humidity to avoid crispy leaf edges. This prayer plant adds height and elegance, making it a statement piece indoors.
#6 Lubbersiana (Ctenanthe lubbersiana)
Lubbersiana stands out with oblong leaves marbled in creamy yellow and green, often touched with pale streaks of white. Growing 2–4 feet tall, it works well as a medium-sized houseplant in bright, indirect light.
Its cheerful variegation brings warmth and brightness to shaded corners. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. If you’re looking for a prayer plant that feels tropical and radiant, Lubbersiana is a great fit.
#7 Kerchoveana (Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana’)
Known as the Green Prayer Plant, Kerchoveana features lively green patches on either side of the central vein. Its playful markings often resemble paint splatters, giving it a casual yet charming appeal.
This variety is low-maintenance and adapts easily to most homes. Place it near a window with filtered light, and water when the soil begins to dry out. With its simple beauty, Kerchoveana is a classic introduction to the prayer plant family.
#8 Lemon Lime (Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura ‘Lemon Lime’)
Lemon Lime is a vibrant standout, with foliage painted in layers of bright lime, deep green, and golden-yellow veins. The bold color palette adds an energetic, cheerful touch to your home.
Keep it in medium to bright indirect light to enhance its contrast. Consistent watering and a bit of misting will keep leaves glossy and vivid. This prayer plant is perfect for those who love high-impact greenery with personality.
#9 Fascinator (Maranta leuconeura var. leuconeura ‘Fascinator’)
The Fascinator variety features oval, dark-green leaves patterned with light green brush marks and highlighted by maroon veins.
Flip the leaves over, and you’ll find a rich purple-red underside that looks stunning in hanging baskets or raised planters. It thrives in indirect light and appreciates regular watering to keep its colors bold.
The folding habit is especially noticeable in this variety, making it a fascinating conversation starter for guests.