Prayer Plant Maranta

A prayer plant that folds its leaves upward at night. Maranta’s patterned foliage is a gentle science lesson for home-educating families, and a lovely kitchen-shelf companion.

Show the children how the leaves stand up in the evening. Keep it out of harsh sun, water when the surface starts to dry, and enjoy a plant that feels alive in a small way every day.

A little care, a lovely reward

• Where it lives. Happiest on a kitchen shelf or child's bedroom windowsill.
• Light. Medium, indirect light; likes a little humidity.
• Water. Keep the compost lightly moist, never sitting in a puddle. Ease off a little in winter.
• Around the family. Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though no houseplant is a snack, so supervise curious toddlers and pets as you would with any pot plant.

Your questions answered

Is this a good houseplant for beginners?
It’s manageable for most people once you find its preferred light and watering rhythm. Start with a steady spot and check the compost with a fingertip before you water.

What size should I choose?
Smaller pots suit windowsills, desks and shelves. Larger sizes make more of a statement on the floor or beside furniture. Sizes available: 8.5cm pot / about 25cm tall, 12cm pot / about 30cm tall, 15cm pot / about 40cm tall.

Do I need a grow light?
Not usually, if you can offer the light described above. In a very dark flat, a simple white plant light on a shelf can help through midwinter.

The details

A little green for a kitchen shelf, chosen for real UK homes without a garden.