10 Houseplants That Instantly Boost Your Home’s Aesthetic

8. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

A captivating Maranta leuconeura, or Prayer Plant, enhances the cozy house plants aesthetic of a bedroom. The plant, with its distinctive oval-shaped leaves featuring intricate patterns of light and dark green with prominent red veins, sits in a light-colored speckled ceramic pot on a dark wooden bedside table. A table lamp with a light shade is partially visible to the left, casting a warm glow. In the background, a neatly made bed with white and patterned bedding, a dark wooden headboard, and a framed piece of art on the wall create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Another small succulent in a terracotta pot can be seen on the corner of the nightstand, further contributing to the serene house plants aesthetic of the space.

Okay, so here’s the thing—I didn’t think a plant could feel spiritual until I got my first Prayer Plant. I mean, how can you not be charmed by something that literally folds its leaves up at night like it’s saying a bedtime prayer?

I bought mine on a whim because of how stunning the foliage was—those richly colored leaves with bold veins and contrasting edges looked like they were painted by hand. But what really won me over? Watching it move.

Yep, every single night, like clockwork, the leaves slowly rise upward as if in quiet meditation. It’s subtle, peaceful, and honestly kind of magical.

Why I Keep Mine in My Bedroom

If you’re into creating a cozy reading nook, want to bring some life to your bedroom, or just love plants that do more than sit there, this one’s perfect.

It thrives in warm, humid conditions—so if you live in a place like Seattle or New York where winter air gets drier than stale crackers, you’ll want to keep this near a humidifier or in a bathroom with good light.

And the texture? Oh man. The gentle movement and soft leaf surface make it feel like a living part of your decor, not just a plant on a shelf. It’s like having a little piece of the rainforest tucked into your space.

My Mistakes (and How You Can Avoid Them)

Alright, real talk: I almost killed mine within a month. Not because it’s impossible to care for—but because I treated it like every other houseplant.

The Prayer Plant doesn’t like surprises. Don’t move it around too much. Don’t let it dry out completely. And especially don’t stick it in direct sun unless you want those gorgeous leaves to burn faster than toast in a toaster oven.

Once I moved it to a spot with filtered light, started misting it regularly, and kept the soil lightly moist—not soggy—it perked right back up.

Now it lives happily on my nightstand, waving its folded hands at me every night before bed. 🙏

Tips That’ll Keep Yours Happy and Healthy

Keep it in bright indirect light, but away from harsh afternoon sun.
Water when the top inch feels dry—never let it go bone dry.
Mist often or use a pebble tray—it loves high humidity.
Don’t stress if it looks tired during the day; that’s totally normal.
And yes, it makes a great bedroom plant for both aesthetics and calming energy.

If you’re looking for a textured, expressive indoor plant that brings movement, color, and a little soul to your space, the Prayer Plant is definitely worth the care.

Still curious what else brings texture and personality to your indoor garden? Next up: a trailing beauty with leaves that look like a donkey’s tail. Meet the Burro’s Tail—it’s soft, stylish, and seriously fun to grow. 👇