How to Grow and Care for a Ctenanthe Plant

Ctenanthe are tropical plants prized for their patterned foliage. As members of the Marantaceae family, they are related to Calathea and Maranta, sharing the trait of folding their leaves upward at night. This movement, known as nyctinasty, gives them the common name “prayer plant.” Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, these plants bring a decorative feel to indoor spaces.

The genus includes several popular varieties. Ctenanthe oppenheimiana, or the “Never Never Plant,” has long leaves with silver, V-shaped markings and purple undersides. Ctenanthe burle-marxii, the “Fishbone Prayer Plant,” has pale green, oblong leaves with a dark green fishbone pattern. Ctenanthe lubbersiana is recognized for its bamboo-like stems and leaves variegated with yellow and cream.

Ctenanthe Plant Care

Light

Proper lighting is needed to maintain the vibrant patterns on a Ctenanthe’s leaves. These plants flourish in medium to bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window where the light is filtered.

Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, cause colors to fade, and lead to brown spots. While they tolerate lower light, their growth may slow, and variegation might become less pronounced. New leaves emerging solid green indicate the plant is not receiving enough light.

Water

Ctenanthe plants prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Continue watering until it flows from the pot’s drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer to prevent root rot.

These plants are sensitive to minerals in tap water, like chlorine and fluoride, which can cause brown, crispy leaf tips. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater. If using tap water, let it sit overnight to allow some chlorine to evaporate.

Soil

Ctenanthe needs a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting medium that retains moisture without becoming saturated. Standard houseplant potting mixes can be improved with amendments for better aeration and water retention.

Create a custom mix by combining a peat-based potting soil with perlite and orchid bark. The peat moss holds moisture, while the perlite and orchid bark improve drainage and allow air to reach the roots.

Temperature & Humidity

As tropical natives, Ctenanthe plants thrive in warm, humid conditions, preferring temperatures from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Keep them away from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as they are not frost-tolerant.

High humidity is a requirement, with an ideal level above 50%. Since home air is often dry, you can increase humidity by grouping plants, using a pebble tray with water, or running a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

To support growth, Ctenanthe benefits from feeding during its growing season in spring and summer. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength to avoid burning the roots.

Fertilize once every four weeks while the plant is actively growing. During the fall and winter, growth slows, so do not provide fertilizer. Resume feeding when new growth appears in the spring.

Repotting and Propagation

Repot a Ctenanthe every one to two years, or when it shows signs of being root-bound. Indications include roots growing from the drainage holes, slowed growth, or soil drying out quickly. The best time to repot is in spring or early summer during the active growing period.

Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger in diameter than the current one. Gently remove the plant, inspect the roots for rot, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil. Water it thoroughly after transplanting to help it settle.

Repotting is an ideal time for propagation through division. After removing the plant from its pot, carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections. Ensure each new section has a healthy portion of roots and a few stems with leaves. Pot these new divisions into their own containers and care for them as mature plants.

Common Ctenanthe Problems

Crispy, brown leaf edges are a frequent issue, often caused by low humidity or minerals in tap water. To fix this, increase humidity using a humidifier or pebble tray. Also, switch to watering with filtered or distilled water.

Yellowing leaves are often a symptom of overwatering. If you notice yellow leaves, check the soil’s moisture. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out more between waterings and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.

If leaf patterns look faded, the plant is likely receiving too much direct sunlight, which can bleach the foliage. Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light to help restore the leaves’ variegation.

Ctenanthe can be susceptible to pests, particularly spider mites. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves to catch an infestation early. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap can manage these pests.