Plants That Pray Together Stay Together

As the sun begins to sink lower in the sky, it slowly raises its outstretched hands toward heaven. And with morning’s first light lifting from the horizon, those same hands drop flat and rest in a lap of soil. A captivating demonstration of circadian clockwork is on display in our living room.

These hands belong to the Maranta Leuconeura Kerchoveana, or the prayer plant. And the nyctinastic movement (fancy word for leaves in motion) that it performs is mesmerizing. There are several theories on why it prays, but its daily dance remains a mystery. By standing up straight, the rain caught on the leaves during the day can drain down into the soil at night. This could aid in its hydration and also prevent fungus-causing water from collecting on the leaves. Or in the act of folding in, the leaves may be protected from the damaging effects of insects and other predators. A proactive posture of prayer. 

This Brazilian species has quickly risen (pun intended) to the top of my list of favorite plants. Mind you, the list is not long. But there is a list. And that’s saying something.

Plant lady. Two words that no one would ever use to describe me. My thumbs are usually a nice shade of death with a splash of good intentions. They are definitely not green. 

But by some miracle, several houseplants have now survived three whole years under my erratic care. Given my previous track record, I’m pretty sure this feat declares me a certified plant lady. And while I await the arrival of that certificate, naturally I decided to welcome more plants into the fold. (Again, pun intended.)

And my new leafy friend has me wondering what it could be praying for as it folds its hands each night.

Is it praying to be rooted and grounded in love? (Ephesians 3:17)

Rooted and built up and established in the faith? (Colossians 2:7)

Is it praying that it does not grow weary in doing good? (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

And grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? (2 Peter 3:18)

Is it praying that it will abide in Christ as a fruit-bearing branch abides in the vine? (John 15:4)

That its leaves remain green and do not fear heat or be anxious about drought? (Jeremiah 17:8)

Is it praying to turn from wickedness to righteousness with roots that cannot be uprooted? (Proverbs 12:3)

Most likely this plant is just praying that I don’t kill it.

Nonetheless, the praying Maranta has the right idea. And I do believe I’ll be adding more of them to my collection. Because, let’s face it, a home simply cannot be covered in too much prayer.

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