The Ultimate Guide to 55 Unique Prayer Plant Varieties

Prayer plants are a fun and beautiful addition to any home. Their colorful leaves and unique movements—like the way they fold up at night—make them a favorite among plant lovers. This guide is our ultimate resource. Here, we list many of the known varieties from three main groups: Maranta, Calathea, and Goeppertia. Keep in mind that plant breeders are always creating new cultivars, so this guide covers many well-known types as of now.

Maranta: The Friendly Prayer Plants

Maranta plants are the classic prayer plants. Their leaves often have bold patterns and can change position throughout the day.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Erythroneura’ (Red Prayer Plant)

This variety has dark green leaves with bright red veins that look like a natural work of art; its underside is a warm maroon.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana’ (Green Prayer Plant)

A very popular type, it shows light green leaves with darker, almost speckled markings and is known for its sturdy nature and ease of care.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Lemon Lime’

With neon lime-green stripes across its leaves, this plant adds a bright splash of color to any room.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Massangeana’ (Black Prayer Plant)

This variety features deep, dark leaves with silvery-green patterns that create a striking, almost metallic look.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Kim’

Its light-colored leaves are decorated with purple spots and cream streaks, making it uniquely attractive.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana Variegata’

A striking twist on the classic Green Prayer Plant, this variety features variegated leaves with patches of creamy white alongside its signature green and darker green markings. It adds a touch of brightness and uniqueness to any plant collection.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Silver Band’

Known for its eye-catching silver bands along the leaves, it is a standout addition to any collection.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator’

This captivating variety is beloved for its oval-shaped leaves adorned with a vivid pattern of green, accented by red veins that create a striking fishbone design. The midrib features lighter green markings, adding to its intricate appeal. The underside of the leaves reveals a soft maroon hue, typical of Maranta plants.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Amabilis’

Maranta leuconeura ‘Amabilis’ is a delightful variety celebrated for its soft yet intricate foliage. The oval-shaped light green leaves feature a striking pattern of dark green veins, forming a mesmerizing fishbone design. The undersides of the leaves are a contrasting deep red or purple, adding depth to its visual appeal.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Amabilis Mint’

This charming variety features soft mint-green leaves with dark green, fishbone-like patterns running along the veins. Its delicate yet vibrant coloration makes it an eye-catching choice for plant enthusiasts, adding a fresh and soothing aesthetic to any indoor space.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Beauty Kim’

A dazzling addition to any plant collection, Maranta leuconeura ‘Beauty Kim’ features medium-green foliage adorned with rows of chocolate-colored spots. These distinct markings are further enhanced by random variegation in creamy white to yellow splotches, creating a one-of-a-kind appearance. Each leaf is unique, making this variety a true standout among prayer plants.

Calathea: The Bold and Beautiful

Calathea plants captivate with their dramatic and artistic leaves that bring life to any space.

Calathea orbifolia

This plant has large, round leaves with bold silver stripes, giving it a calm and elegant appearance.

Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)

Featuring long, wavy-edged leaves that are green on top and deep purple on the underside, its spotted design resembles a rattlesnake’s skin.

Calathea roseopicta (Rose-Painted Calathea)

Its dark green leaves edged or streaked with pink look as if hand-painted, creating a soft and romantic vibe.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Medallion’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Medallion’ is a striking variety known for its large, round leaves featuring bold patterns. The deep green foliage is decorated with bright, silvery-green markings that radiate outward, resembling a medallion. The underside of the leaves reveals a vibrant purple hue, making this plant a dramatic and elegant centerpiece for any indoor collection.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Medallion v2’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Medallion v2’ features large, round leaves with a dark green base color. The foliage showcases intricate brushstroke-like patterns in lighter green and cream, creating a symmetrical and striking design that sets this variety apart.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Dottie’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Dottie’ stands out with its dramatic deep green to nearly black leaves, accentuated by vibrant pink markings. These pink lines trace the edges and form a circular pattern, highlighting the beauty of its foliage. Its striking contrast and bold appearance make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts looking to add a touch of elegance and color to their indoor spaces. The underside of the leaves reveals a rich purple hue, further enhancing its visual charm.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Crimson’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Crimson’ is cherished for its unique and vibrant foliage. The leaves feature a pink center that beautifully fades into green edges, creating a soft yet striking contrast. This variety stands out for its pastel tones, offering a refreshing and cheerful aesthetic. Like other Calathea varieties, the undersides of the leaves are a rich purple, adding depth to its already gorgeous appearance.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Angela’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Angela’ features stunning leaves with a mix of green, cream, and pink tones. The foliage has a soft, pastel-like appearance, with each leaf displaying unique variegation patterns. The leaves have dark green borders, which provide a striking contrast to the lighter, colorful centers.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Cora’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Cora’ features oval leaves with intricate patterns of light green centers, cream stripes, and deep green borders. Its striking yet delicate markings add elegance to any indoor space, while the rich purple undersides enhance its visual charm.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Corona’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Corona’ features striking leaves with creamy white centers and dark green edges, creating bold contrast. Its purple-toned undersides add depth, making it a standout indoor plant.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Cynthia’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Cynthia’ features oval leaves with dark green centers surrounded by lighter green and cream edges.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Green Goddess’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Green Goddess’ showcases glossy, dark green leaves adorned with striking light green or white patterns along the veins and edges.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Illustris’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Illustris’ displays dark green leaves adorned with vibrant light green patterns and pinkish-red veins. The brushstroke-like design on its foliage creates a captivating and artistic look.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Jungle Rose’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Jungle Rose’ showcases striking, dark green leaves with light green and white patterns, similar to ‘Green Goddess.’ However, its undersides feature a distinctive reddish-purple hue, setting it apart and adding vibrant contrast to its appearance.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Princess Jessie’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Princess Jessie’ features large, dark green leaves adorned with vibrant pink and purple markings. These bold, colorful patterns create a dramatic and eye-catching contrast, making it a standout variety among Calathea plants.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Marion’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Marion’ is known for its large, oval-shaped leaves with a dark green center and a contrasting light green or cream border.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Silver Plate’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Silver Plate’ features striking foliage with a silvery sheen covering most of the leaf surface, complemented by dark green borders and intricate vein patterns. This unique, metallic-like appearance makes it a standout choice for plant enthusiasts.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Sylvia’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Sylvia’ displays elegant oval leaves with dark green borders and creamy yellow centers. Pinkish-red veins run through the foliage, creating a striking and colorful pattern that makes this variety visually distinctive.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Shine Star’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Shine Star’ features glossy, oval leaves with dark green centers, light green patterns, and cream-colored edges.

Calathea roseopicta ‘Dark Star’

Calathea roseopicta ‘Dark Star’ showcases large, oval leaves with light green centers and dark green edges.

Calathea zebrina (Zebra Plant)

The patterned leaves with light and dark green stripes give the appearance of a zebra’s coat, making it a real show-stopper.

Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant)

Named for its resemblance to peacock feathers, this variety features intricate dark green patterns on a light background.

Calathea warscewiczii

It displays dark green leaves with beautiful feather-like patterns and hints of purple on the underside.

Calathea crocata (Eternal Flame Plant)

Pairing dark green leaves with bright orange flowers that look like little flames, this striking member stands out.

Calathea lutea (Pampano Plant)

With large, paddle-like leaves in rich green, this variety brings a bold, tropical feel to any home.

Calathea musaica (Network Plant)

Featuring intricate, mosaic-like patterns across its leaves, it resembles a closely arranged tiled design.

Calathea picturata ‘Argentea’

With soft silvery-green leaves edged in darker green, this variety offers a subtle and elegant design.

Calathea concinna

A less common type, it still showcases lovely patterns on its leaves and adapts well to lower-light settings.

Calathea exotica

Calathea exotica features large, elongated leaves with light and dark green striped patterns.

Calathea ‘Electric Shock’

Calathea ‘Electric Shock’ showcases dark green leaves adorned with vibrant lime green patterns resembling lightning bolts.

Goeppertia: The New Face of Prayer Plants

Many plants once classified as Calathea have been reclassified under Goeppertia, offering striking patterns and textures in their own right.

Goeppertia ornata (Pinstripe Plant)

This variety stands out with dark green leaves and bright pinstripe-like patterns in pink or white, giving it an elegant look.

Goeppertia veitchiana (Medallion Plant)

Known as the Medallion, its leaves feature bold patterns with dark greens and rich purple tones that form a beautiful central design.

Goeppertia elliptica ‘Vittata’

Goeppertia elliptica ‘Vittata’ features elongated, elliptical leaves with bold white stripes running parallel along their length, set against a vibrant green background.

Goeppertia rufibarba (Furry Feather)

This plant offers leaves with a soft, fuzzy texture, displaying dark green tops with burgundy undersides.

Goeppertia fasciata

With large leaves marked by clear, banded patterns, this variety adds a bold statement to any room.

Goeppertia loeseneri (Lotus Pink)

Its mix of green with gentle pink accents provides a delicate and cheerful appearance.

Goeppertia majestica ‘White Star’

Featuring white stripes that form a star-like pattern against a deep green background, this plant presents a striking contrast.

Goeppertia Yellow Fusion

This unique cultivar blends yellow and green in its markings to brighten up any interior.

Goeppertia albertii

Goeppertia albertii, also known as Emerald Feather Calathea, features dark green leaves with light green, feather-like markings along the central vein. Its compact growth habit and striking foliage make it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.

Ctenanthe: The Underrated Prayer Plant

Although less famous than Maranta, Calathea, and Goeppertia, Ctenanthe shares similar leaf-folding behavior and decorative appeal. Its striking patterns and ease of care make it a favorite among indoor gardeners.

Ctenanthe burle-marxii (Fishbone Prayer Plant)

This popular variety has long, lance-shaped leaves with dark green fishbone-like patterns on a pale green background. The undersides of the leaves are a soft purple, adding a pop of color to this easy-to-grow plant.

Ctenanthe setosa

Known for its sturdy nature, this species has oval, silver-green leaves with dark green stripes. The undersides of its leaves show a vibrant maroon, making it a striking addition to any plant collection.

Ctenanthe setosa ‘Grey Star’

Ctenanthe setosa ‘Grey Star’ features elongated leaves with a silvery-grey surface and dark green veins. The undersides of the leaves display a rich purplish hue, adding depth to its striking appearance.

Ctenanthe oppenheimiana (Never-Never Plant)

This variety boasts large, elongated leaves with silvery patterns and dark green markings. It thrives in low-light conditions and is a great option for shaded indoor spaces.

Ctenanthe lubbersiana

This species stands out with its cream and green variegated leaves, often streaked with hints of yellow. It has a bushy growth habit and adds a lively touch to interiors.

Final Words

Prayer plants bring life, color, and movement to our homes. From the classic Maranta varieties to the bold prints of Calathea, the modern designs of Goeppertia, and the underrated yet stunning Ctenanthe, there is a prayer plant for every style and space. With new cultivars constantly emerging, this guide covers many known types while the world of prayer plants continues to grow. Whether you’re a new plant parent or a seasoned collector, exploring these wonderful plants can be a creative and rewarding journey.