Ctenanthe Lubbersiana is an evergreen perennial plant that is native to Central and South America, basically Brazil. It is a tropical plant from Marantaceae family which is commonly grown as a pot indoor plant. This beautiful plant is well known for its attractive and variegated foliage. Keeping this plant in your house will definitely add beauty and greenery to the indoor environment.
Ctenanthe Lubbersiana is also called Bamburanta, Ctenanthe, Never never plant, Golden Mosaic plant.
Ctenanthe plant can grow up to 2metres high with long and strong bamboo-like stems which bear large oval leaves, stripped and mottled with yellow, cream or gold making it look stunning. Not only indoor but these plants can also be grown outdoor under the shade of other tall plants or trees and also as ground covers in tropical type gardens.
This is a low maintenance, cold tolerant, marginal frost tolerant, warm and humid climate plant. The care of this plant includes the following requirements.
If you are a person who likes to view rather than read, I have created a YouTube video covering Ctenanthe care
Light Requirements of Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Lubbersiana prefers to be in bright indirect light. As these plants are native to the tropical climate as usually grow under the shade, they grow well in filtered light. Exposure to direct sunlight can scorch their beautiful leaves. The leaves also tend to curl up in very hot or bright conditions. When placing them indoors, the South, West facing windows will be the right spot for these plants. When kept outdoor, Keep them under the shade where they receive filtered light.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements of Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe indoor plants can tolerate temperatures up to 13 degrees Celsius, but generally, they love to be in a warm climate. Ctenanthes do not like cold temperatures. You might need to bring your plant indoors during the winter season and keep it in a warm spot. Avoid placing them near windows or doors where there can be cold drafts or near Air conditioners or room heaters. The sudden shift of temperatures or extreme temperatures can affect the plant, causing curling leaves to avoid heat and water loss from the surface of its leaves. Ctenanthes love humid conditions. Investing in a humidifier to keep these plants happy will be a good idea or place them on top of a pebble tray with water to provide them with adequate humidity.
Soil Requirements of Ctenanthe Plant
Moist but well-drained soil is recommended for the Bamburanta plant. A peaty soil mix with perlite in it will help retain the moisture whilst draining the excess water to avoid root rot and other fungal infections. 3:1 ratio of coco peat or coir peat or sphagnum moss with perlite and compost will be the right soil mix for these plants. Make sure that the pot has enough drainage holes to drain the excess water. Add mulch on the top to prevent loss of moisture.
Water Requirements of Ctenanthe Plant
Water Ctenanthe plants regularly to make sure the soil remains moist but do not overwater as this can cause root rot. The best strategy is to check the soil first by sticking your finger at least 1 inch into the soil. Suppose the soil feels dry and doesn’t stick to the finger then it’s time to water the plant. Watering the plant once a week during summer months and once in two weeks or even less during winters should be enough. It also depends on the size of the pot, temperature at your place etc.
How to Fertilize Ctenanthe plant
Feed your Ctenanthe Lubbersiana with a liquid balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer months as these are the growing periods. There is no need to fertilize during fall or winter.
TOXICITY
Ctenanthe plants are known to be non-toxic to humans and pets if ingested but they are mildly poisonous and may cause allergic reactions. therefore, keep this plant away from the reach of your inquisitive children and pets if they have a habit of playing with plants.
If you are looking for non-toxic or safe plants for your home, visit this link for all plants which are non-toxic to humans and pets.
How to Prune and Propagate Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe propagation is easy and straightforward. If the plant gets overcrowded in the pot, you can prune the plant from the nodes and then use those cuttings to propagate it. Also cut down the dead or damaged leaves to use its energy for the healthy leaves.
It is effortless to propagate them through cuttings. When the plant matures and grows tall, you will see a group of leaves attaching to the long stem. Snip the tall stem and place it in water or soil. You will see the roots developing from the nodes of the leaves if you are doing propagation in water and when the roots develop bigger, place them in soil. Whereas if you are doing propagation in soil, take the cutting and place it in soil. I would suggest water propagation works better than soil as you can see the development of roots happening and the propagation results are better.
Pests
Ctenanthe Never Never plants are susceptible to Slug and snail attacks. Mealybug infestation can also occur in some plants. Spraying the stem and leaves with dishwashing liquid and soda bicarb solution in water can help get rid of these pests. The mixture of Neem oil and dishwashing soap solution in water effectively gets rid of these pests.
If you want a readymade solution to deal with insects, try multipurpose insecticide spray which helps you to control insects like Aphids, Spider Mites, Japanese Beetles, Caterpillars, diseases like Fungicide controls Black Spot, Powdery Mildew.
In addition to the insecticide, you can also use these easy to use Sticky traps to attract flying inspects for indoor and outdoor plants. These insects traps are easy to use.
Ctenanthe Plant Problems
- Yellowing of the Ctenanthe leaf tips or corners can occur due to low air or irregular watering humidity.
- Dark spots on the Ctenanthe plant leaves is a sign of bacterial or fungal infection.
- Curling of the Ctenanthe Lubbersiana leaves a widespread reaction to extreme light and temperature conditions where the plant tries to protect itself by curling up its leaves.
Why wait? start growing beautiful Ctenanthe’s and enjoy gardening.
See this link for more House Plants care and propagation tips.
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