CTENANTHE
INFO + CARE

genus: Ctenanthe Eichler

common name/s: fishbone prayer plant

type: perennial

family: Marantaceae

native range: Central and South America

zone: 10 to 13

height: to 1 m

spread: to 1 m

type species: Ctenanthe pilosa Eichler

bloom time: seldom flowers

bloom description: varies among species

sun: part shade

water: medium

maintenance: medium to high

soil type: loose, well-draining, 'breathing' potting mix

toxicity: non toxic to pets

Ctenanthe is a genus of flowering plants of the family Marantaceae described as a genus in 1884. They are evergreen perennials, native to Central and South America (primarily Brazil).They are grown for their attractive, often variegated foliage.

There is a bit of variation within Ctenanthe when it comes to their color and patterns, but the basics pretty much stay the same across the genus. These plants are characterized by their bushy, clumping growth pattern. They don’t tend to grow all too tall feet), but if left to their devices, they can become very wide. The leaves sprout from a central rhizome and are oval in shape.

The etymological root of the binomial name Ctenanthe is derived from the Greek ktenos meaning 'comb' and anthera menaing 'anther'.

Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.

Because Ctenanthe is naturally part of the forest undergrowth, it isn’t used to overly bright light. This isn’t a plant to keep in the dark—it needs a spot where it gets plenty of indirect light—but direct sun can be too harsh for it, especially without proper acclimation.

The species loves plenty of moisture, which isn’t surprising from a plant that hails from often soaking wet habitats like the Atlantic rainforest.

The soil should be lightly moist (a bit more during the summer growing months than during winter), but by no means wet. Water again once the first inch or so has dried. Don’t wait too long; a Ctenanthe will show its thirst by dramatically curling its leaves. Your plant will perk back up after a good soak, but usually not without permanently losing a leaf or two.