Ctenanthe, native to tropical Brazil, is a member of the Marantaceae family and is related to the calathea and prayer plant. These evergreen perennials are grown primarily for the beauty of their colorful leaves.
Ctenanthe Care
Ctenanthe lubbersiana
Other names: Stromanthe Lubbersiana, Ctenanthe, Never-never Plant
What is the plant
The three species which make good houseplants are C. lubbersiana, C. oppenheimiana, and C. burle-marxii. C. lubbersiana reaches a height of about 18 inches and has green and yellow patterned elliptical leaves with pale green undersides. C. oppenheimiana also called the ‘Never Never Plant, grows as tall as 3ft., produces lance shaped leaves that are dark green with silver bands, and has foliage with maroon undersides. The Tricolor variety of C.oppenheimiana is even more colorful. C. burle-marxii is a smaller more compact plant that has silver gray elliptical leaves with green stripes. A Ctenanthe is not an easy care plant and can be quite frustrating for a novice plant grower. These plants are considered mildly poisonous (although often listed as non-toxic), it may cause individual allergic reactions and should be kept away from pets and children.
humidity
High
lighting
Part sun and part shade
temperature
18°C - 18°C
hardiness zone
10a - 12b
difficulty
Medium
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Ctenanthe amagris needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot.
Pruning
Get rid of damaged leaves and stems. This is important because damaged leaves and stems can actually be an energy drain on your plant. By removing those dead parts, you're taking some of that work off your plant’s plate and allowing it to divert its energy into healthy leaves and new growth!
Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers are applied more frequently, bi-weekly or monthly, for example. Granular products are used less frequently, perhaps once every month or two. Slow-release houseplant fertilizers break down slowly and release their nutrients in small amounts, over a longer period of time. A single application of most of these products lasts for three to four months.
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Sunlight
Needs a bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil
Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage.
Temperature
Ctenanthes like warm consistent temperatures and will not tolerate temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
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Container
Pot should provide ample drainage and room for growth.
Popularity
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