Maranta are low, spreading plants grown for leaves marked in green, cream and red. They fold their leaves upright at night and lower them again in the morning, which is where the prayer plant name comes from.
Maranta or Calathea
The two are constantly mixed up. Both are in the Marantaceae family, both move their leaves, and both are sold as prayer plants.
Maranta grow low and spread sideways, and the leaves are softer and rounder. Calathea grow upright with taller, stiffer leaves. Maranta are also noticeably more forgiving, which matters if you are choosing between them.
What every Maranta wants
Medium to bright indirect light, soil that stays lightly moist, and humidity above 50%. They are sensitive to minerals in tap water, so filtered or rainwater prevents most of the brown edges people struggle with.
Maranta are non-toxic to cats and dogs.