Houseplants that awaken at dusk

As the days grow shorter and the nights stretch longer, there’s an unmistakable magic in the air…

While tales of haunted houses and restless spirits may be the usual Halloween fare, some of the eeriest occurrences might be happening right under our noses—in our houseplants. That’s right, beyond their leafy green exteriors, some plants have a secret: they actually move, almost as if they’re coming alive when the sun goes down.

In the spirit of Halloween, plant experts at one company dive into the world of “moving” houseplants for ATV Today Lifestyle and take a look at nature’s own version of a trick-or-treat surprise, where the line between the natural and the supernatural begins to blur, leaving us to wonder: could our houseplants really have a life of their own?

Move Over, Ghosts: It’s the Houseplants That Are Sneaking Around at Night

The plant experts, Beards and Daisies, take a look at ten nocturnal greeneries…

1. Prayer Plant

Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura) isn’t just named for its angelic appearance. This curious houseplant has an unsettling habit of raising its leaves skyward at night, almost like hands clasped in prayer—or perhaps more ominously, as if reaching for the unseen.

The night movements allow the plant to “sleep,” conserving energy and water until dawn breaks. With its beautiful leaf patterns and mystical movements, the Prayer Plant is a perfect addition to any spooky décor, adding an air of mystery to your home as its leaves slowly rise and fall with the rhythms of the night.

2. Oxalis Triangularis

Also known as the Purple Shamrock, this dramatic plant has leaves that fold down like a bat’s wings at dusk. By day, the deep purple leaves fan out, but as the sun sets, they close up, as if retreating into a dark cave.

Its ghostly white or pale pink flowers add an eerie touch, making it a perfect companion for Halloween nights. If you’ve ever felt like something was moving in the corner of your eye, it just might be your Oxalis Triangularis, shifting ever so slightly in the twilight.

3. Calathea Stromanthe Triostar

The Calathea Stromanthe Triostar is known for its enchanting pink, cream, and green leaves that seem to blush in the moonlight. As night falls, this plant performs a slow-motion dance, lifting its leaves toward the sky as if it’s basking in the glow of the moon.

The rustling of its foliage can almost seem like whispers in the dark, giving your home a bewitching atmosphere when the lights go out.

4. Calathea Orbifolia

With its wide, round leaves, the Calathea Orbifolia is a showstopper even in daylight.

But don’t be fooled by its serene appearance – at night, its leaves shift ever so slightly, like the slow swing of a pendulum. These movements help the plant adapt to changing humidity levels, almost as if it’s breathing.

The gentle sway of the Orbifolia’s leaves creates a chillingly serene atmosphere, as if the air itself is alive with unseen spirits.

5. Leopard Plant

The Leopard Plant (Calathea Leopardina) may look tame during the day with its large, rounded leaves dotted like a leopard’s coat, but come nightfall, it takes on a life of its own.

The leaves subtly shift and change orientation, like something prowling in the shadows. Its unique pattern and mysterious night-time behaviour make it a perfect choice for those who want a touch of the wild in their haunted décor.

6. Rose Painted Calathea

The Rose-Painted Calathea (Calathea Roseopicta Medallion) is a real show-off, with dark green leaves and vibrant pink patterns.

As darkness falls, its leaves fold up to reveal the rich, purplish undersides, adding to its ghostly allure. It’s almost as if the plant is putting on a cloak of shadows, ready to join in the night’s mysterious happenings.

The way its leaves seem to “close” could make you wonder if it’s hiding something—or perhaps listening in on the night’s whispers.

7. Peacock Plant

The Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana) is named for its striking, feather-like patterns. During the day, the leaves spread out in a proud display, but at night, they gently fold upward, like a bird tucking its feathers before sleep.

There’s something almost otherworldly about this nightly movement, as if the plant knows when the world falls silent and takes on its own secret life. The pattern on its leaves also adds an extra touch of intrigue, like eyes watching from the darkness.

8. Calathea Sanderiana (Pink Pinstripe Plant)

With its dramatic dark leaves lined in delicate pink, the Calathea Sanderiana is like a piece of living art by day.

But when night falls, this plant’s leaves rise. It’s almost as though it’s drawn toward the dark—ready to unravel its secrets when no one’s watching. Its elegant but eerie appearance makes it a perfect fit for any Halloween setup.

9. Calathea Rufibarba (Velvet Calathea)

The Velvet Calathea earns its name from the velvety texture of its leaves.

These leaves don’t just feel soft; they seem to come alive at night, shifting their positions in a slow, rhythmic dance. The movement is subtle, but if you catch it just right, you might feel as if you’ve glimpsed something spooky.

It’s a plant that invites you to run your fingers across its soft leaves—but don’t be surprised if you feel a shiver down your spine.

10. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea Lancifolia)

The Rattlesnake Plant gets its name from its striking wavy leaves that mimic a serpent’s scales.

As the night creeps in, the leaves seem to twitch and curl as though ready to strike. It’s the kind of plant that adds a touch of danger to your indoor jungle, its dark green patterns looking almost like a coiled snake in the shadows.

The Rattlesnake Plant’s uncanny resemblance to its namesake makes it a spine-tingling addition to your home this spooky season.