Maranta Red Prayer Plant

The Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura) keeps its own clock. Every evening the leaves lift and fold like a pair of praying hands; every morning they drop flat again. Botanists call it nyctinasty — a hinge of water-filled cells at the base of each leaf stalk shifts pressure as the light changes.

The leaves are broad and oval, deep green with vivid red veins running through them and a purple-red underside. It is the most forgiving plant in the Marantaceae family, and it puts on the best nightly show. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.