Ctenanthe
Pale silver-green leaves with a dark green fishbone pattern and purple undersides, on a compact, bushy prayer plant that is tougher than a calathea. Pet-safe, forgiving of ordinary humidity, and a good first prayer plant.
Ctenanthe is the prayer plant to buy if calatheas keep dying on you. It looks like one: oval leaves in pale silvery green with a dark green herringbone pattern of stripes running out from the midrib, and purple undersides that show when the leaves fold up at night. But it is built tougher, with thicker leaves and a more relaxed attitude to humidity.
The form most shops carry is Amagris, which is greyer and more silver than the species. It stays compact, around eighteen inches, spreads sideways by rhizome, and is safe for pets.
Light
Medium, indirect light. A north or east window, or a few feet from a west one. It tolerates lower light than most patterned plants and keeps its markings. Direct sun scorches and fades it.
Water
Keep it lightly moist, watering when the top inch is dry, every five days or so in summer and every eight in winter. Filtered or rain water is best, though it tolerates tap water better than a calathea. Drain well and never leave it standing in water.
Soil and potting
A moisture-holding, airy mix with coco coir and perlite in a pot with drainage. Repot every eighteen months in spring. It spreads, so a wider pot suits it better than a deeper one.
Feeding
Quarter-strength balanced feed every four weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Division in spring; it separates easily into rooted clumps. Stem cuttings with a node also root in water, unusually for the family.
In a hot, dry home
The easiest prayer plant for a dry home. Forty-five percent humidity is enough, which a pebble tray and a couple of neighbouring plants can manage without a humidifier. Keep it out of the AC's direct path and check the soil every few days in summer. It also copes with the local tap water far better than its cousins.
Ctenanthe varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Amagris
A greyer, more silver form of the fishbone plant with a finer pattern. The one usually sold.
- Burle-marxii (green)
The species form: pale green leaves with a bolder dark fishbone.
- Setosa Grey Star
Ctenanthe setosa: larger, upright silver-grey leaves with dark veins, to three feet. Same care.
Problems and fixes
Brown leaf tips
Likely cause: Dry air or hard water
Fix: Pebble tray, group with plants, filtered water.
Leaves curling
Likely cause: Thirsty
Fix: Water; they open within a day.
Pattern fading
Likely cause: Too much light
Fix: Move to a north window.
Yellow leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let the top inch dry between waterings.
Ctenanthe questions
Is Ctenanthe pet safe?
Yes. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Is it a calathea?
No, but it is a close relative in the same family and looks like one. It is tougher than most calatheas and needs less humidity.
How big does it get?
Amagris stays around eighteen inches. The larger Ctenanthe setosa reaches three feet.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Stromanthe Triostar
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Safe
