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 moves its leaves up at night and lowers them during the day, which is believed to maximize light absorption by following the sun’s movement.

From Los Angeles Times

Much like how the prayer plant’s movements are fueled by the sun, Robert and Jeff say the light of their San Pedro community pumps life into their store and they are excited to move and grow with the pulse of the neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times

Another popular choice is the prayer plant.

From Seattle Times

The tropical maranta leuconeura — the prayer plant, we call it — is native to Brazil, but I make myself believe it can thrive in my home office, that I can give it what it needs to grow.

From Salon

When I try to picture a prayer plant growing in the wild ground, my mind instead puts me back on the Universal Studios E.T.

From Salon