How to Grow and Care for Never Never Plant

The Never Never Plant, Ctenanthe oppenheimiana, is a tropical perennial native to Brazil. It has striking, lance-shaped leaves with a distinctive herringbone pattern of green and silver on top. A key feature is the rich purple or reddish hue on the undersides of its leaves.

This plant belongs to the Marantaceae family, which includes other “prayer plants” like Calathea and Maranta. This family is known for a behavior called nyctinasty, where the leaves move in response to the daily light cycle. The leaves rise and fold together in the evening, resembling praying hands, and lower again in the morning.

Essential Care Conditions

Light

Proper lighting is a significant factor in maintaining the vibrant foliage of the Never Never Plant. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, which supports healthy growth without damaging the leaves. Placing the plant near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window, shielded by a sheer curtain, provides ideal conditions. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.

Water

A consistent watering schedule helps ensure the plant remains healthy. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never waterlogged or soggy, as this can lead to root rot. A good practice is to water when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Tap water can contain minerals, chlorine, and fluoride, so using filtered, distilled, or collected rainwater is recommended to prevent the buildup of these substances in the soil.

Soil

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is a suitable foundation. To improve drainage and prevent the soil from becoming compacted, amend the mix with perlite or orchid bark. This substrate holds enough moisture for the roots while allowing excess water to drain. Using a pot with drainage holes is fundamental to prevent water from pooling at the base.

Temperature and Humidity

Originating from subtropical Brazilian forests, the Never Never Plant flourishes in warm and humid conditions. It prefers stable indoor temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and should be kept away from sudden temperature fluctuations, cold drafts, or blasts of dry air from heating vents. High humidity is particularly important for keeping the foliage lush. Ideally, humidity levels should be at 60% or higher. To increase ambient moisture, you can group it with other plants, place it on a pebble tray filled with water, or use a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, the Never Never Plant benefits from regular feeding. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks. It is best to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the roots. Feeding should be suspended during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Pruning and Repotting

Pruning is mostly for cosmetic purposes and involves trimming any leaves that have turned yellow or developed brown, crispy edges. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the entire leaf stem back to the base of the plant. This action helps the plant direct its energy toward producing new, healthy foliage.

Repotting is necessary every one to two years, or when you notice signs that the plant has become root-bound, such as roots growing out of the drainage holes or slowed growth. The best time to repot is in the spring, at the start of the growing season. Choose a new pot that is only one size larger in diameter than the current one to avoid providing too much excess soil, which can hold excess water. Gently remove the plant and place it in the new container with fresh potting mix.

Common Issues and Solutions

If you notice the edges of the leaves are turning brown and crispy, the cause is often either low humidity or a reaction to minerals in tap water. The solution is to increase the humidity around the plant and switch to using filtered or distilled water. Yellowing leaves, particularly at the base of the plant, are a frequent sign of overwatering. Check the soil, and if it is soggy, allow the top inch or two to dry out completely before watering again.

Spider mites are a common culprit, especially if the air is too dry. These pests can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap, and by increasing humidity. If the vibrant colors and patterns on the leaves appear to be fading, it is an indication of improper lighting. This is caused by too much direct sunlight, so moving the plant to a location with bright, indirect light will restore its coloration.