This Brazilian plant is grown primarily for its striking foliage. The common name of prayer plant is derived from its habit of folding n s leaves together at night. The leaves are oval, up to 5 in. (12 era) long, and lustrous dark green, marked with gray or maroon, veined silver, red, or purple above and gray-green or maroon below. The white or violet flowers are inconspicuous.

M.l. vai. erythroneura, called herringbone plant, has green-black leaves with scarlet veins and a lime-green zone along the midrib. M.l. var. kerchoveana, also called rabbit’s foot, has gray-green leaves with a row of purple-brown to olive blotches along each side of the midrib.

Size: Height 2 ft. (30 cm).

Light: Partial shade.

Temperature: Normal room.

Moisture: Keep soil thoroughly moist from spring to fall, drier during the winter.

Feeding: Apply standard liquid fertilizer once a month in spring and summer.

Propagation: Divide large clumps in spring, or take 4 in. (10 cm) cuttings with 3—4 leaves in spring or summer.

Special needs: Do not allow water to splash onto the leaves because it will cause discoloration. It is important to keep marantas out of bright light or the leaves will fade.