Ctenanthe care: watering, light and repotting
Also called fishbone prayer plant, never never plant · Ctenanthe burle-marxii · Marantaceae family
8 d in winter
How often to water the ctenanthe?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 8 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
A cousin of the calathea, a little more forgiving. Keep the soil moist and water with soft water.
Misting every 4 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The ctenanthe is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–1.5 ft (30–50 cm).
Common problems
Curled leaves
Cause: Thirst or dry air. What to do: Water and mist it.
Brown spots
Cause: Cold or hard water. What to do: Water with room-temperature filtered water or rainwater.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the ctenanthe?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 8 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the ctenanthe?
The ctenanthe is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the ctenanthe?
Yes, misting every 4 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the ctenanthe?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the ctenanthe safe?
No toxicity is known, but no veterinary source has confirmed it: to be safe, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the ctenanthe needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.