Short answer
Yes, in the everyday sense. The peacock plant (Goeppertia makoyana, still widely sold as Calathea makoyana) is commonly called a type of prayer plant because it is in the same plant family as the classic prayer plant and it also raises its leaves at night. Strictly speaking, though, “prayer plant” often refers to Maranta leuconeura, which is a different genus from the peacock plant.
What people mean by “prayer plant”
The name is used in two ways:
- Narrow: the genus Maranta, especially Maranta leuconeura (including red-veined and rabbit’s-foot forms).
- Broad: any member of the family Marantaceae that folds its leaves at night, which includes calatheas (now mostly Goeppertia), Ctenanthe and Stromanthe.
Both are correct in casual use. If you are reading a care label, check which genus is meant, because the needs overlap but are not identical. The wider family is covered in our calathea care guide.
Peacock plant vs Maranta side by side
| Feature | Peacock plant (G. makoyana) | Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Marantaceae | Marantaceae |
| Leaf shape | Oval, thin, almost translucent | Oval, softer, slightly rounder |
| Pattern | Feathery dark green marks on pale green, purple or pink underside | Dark blotches or red veins on lighter green |
| Growth habit | Upright, clumping | Low and spreading, can trail over a pot edge |
| Night movement | Yes, leaves rise | Yes, leaves fold upward, often more obviously |
| Typical care level | Moderate to demanding | Moderate; often seen as a little more forgiving |
These are general tendencies. Individual plants and cultivars vary. If you like the purple-underside look, see indoor plants with a purple underside for other options.
Why does a prayer plant fold up at night?
The movement is called nyctinasty. The plant moves its leaves in a daily rhythm, with leaves flat during the day and raised at night. It is driven by changes in water pressure in specialized tissue at the base of the leaf, and is influenced by light and an internal daily clock. The exact benefits are not fully settled, but it is normal and a sign that the plant is behaving as it should. If leaves stay folded all day or never move, check the soil moisture and light.
Is Calathea ornata hard to care for?
Calathea ornata (also sold as pinstripe calathea, now Goeppertia ornata) is usually described as moderately demanding. It is not unusually difficult by calathea standards, but it dislikes dry soil, dry air and mineral-heavy water. If you can give it medium to bright indirect light, evenly moist soil and decent humidity, it can do well. For a comparison with other varieties, see indoor calathea types.
How to keep a peacock plant alive
Peacock plants have thin leaves that show stress quickly, so consistency matters most.
- Light: medium to bright indirect light, no direct sun.
- Water: keep the soil evenly moist, watering when the top inch or so is dry. Do not let the plant sit in water.
- Water quality: use filtered, rain or distilled water if tap water seems to cause brown edges.
- Humidity: higher is better; a humidifier works best, and misting is only a minor aid.
- Temperature: steady and warm, about 18 to 27 C (65 to 80 F), away from drafts.
- Soil and pot: a loose, well-draining mix and a pot with drainage holes.
- Check the leaf undersides for spider mites, which are more likely in dry air.
For more detail, including troubleshooting for brown tips and curling, see the calathea care guide. If you actually have a Maranta, see prayer plant care.
Pet safety
The ASPCA lists both calatheas (including the peacock plant) and Maranta leuconeura as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Non-toxic does not mean harmless to eat, since chewing any plant may cause stomach upset, and soil, fertilizer and pest treatments carry their own risks. Keep plants out of reach of small children and pets that chew, and call your vet or poison control if you are concerned.
Related reading
The zebra plant is another large, striking relative; see Is Calathea zebrina an indoor plant?