prayer plant

[ prair ]

noun

1. a plant, Maranta leuconeura, native to Brazil, that is widely cultivated for its variegated leaves that close up at night.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prayer plant¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The prayer plant leaves are dark green like a philodendron, and also curl up like two praying hands held together at night—hende the name.

From Popular-Science

While philodendron is typically recommended for noobs, the prayer plant is slightly more difficult to care for, and prefers a lot of humidity and regular fertilizer.

From Popular-Science