calathea

Question

I have a calathea zebra plant and it’s doing well. In spring it produces small white flowers. My question is, why at night the leaves turn upwards?

Answer 1

Many plants have a natural reaction that allows them to take advantage of their environment. This plant likely turns its leave upwards at night to help with water collection in its natural environment. Dew would settle on the leaves and because they are more upright, that dew would run down into the root area of the plant. Then the leaves lay back flat to collect energy from the sun. It is normal and happens with many plants.