Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris'

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris'

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' is a compact cultivated Ctenanthe with narrow, oval-oblong leaves in soft grey-green tones. Darker green margins and venation create a narrow, defined vein pattern, while the lower leaf surface shows a muted grey-purple colour. The whole plant stays low, full and rounded, so the fine venation remains easy to appreciate at close range.

This cultivar grows as a small basal clump with leaves held on slender petioles. The restrained colour palette, silvered foliage, dark vein detail and slim stems build a dense shape that becomes fuller with age.

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' foliage highlights

• Compact Ctenanthe cultivar with a low, dense growth habit
• Narrow grey-green leaves with darker green venation and margins
• Grey-purple leaf undersides that show when the foliage lifts
• Fine-textured clump growth suited to close-range display
• Compact growth for close-range shelves, warm plant cabinets and bright shaded indoor spots

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' cultivar form

The cultivar 'Amagris' originated in Belgium in 2000 from material cultivated as a Burle-marxii selection. It has a compact habit, narrower leaves, grey-green upper leaf surfaces, darker venation and grey-purple lower leaf surfaces.

In indoor culture, this cultivar behaves as a small rhizomatous Marantaceae. It grows from the base, gradually increasing the number of leaves and forming a tidy foliage clump. Steady moisture, gentle light and clean root conditions reduce curled leaves and help the fine margins stay cleaner.

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' indoor care

• Light: Place in bright, indirect light with protection from strong sun. East-facing light or filtered light near a window suits the pale foliage.
• Watering: Rewater once the upper 20–30% of the substrate feels lightly dry. Keep moisture even and let excess water drain fully.
• Water quality: Filtered, rain or low-mineral water helps reduce brown leaf edges on this finer-leaved cultivar.
• Substrate: Provide an airy, fine-textured mix with moisture retention and good oxygen flow. Dense, heavy substrate keeps the rhizomes too wet.
• Humidity: Aim for steady air moisture. A humidifier, grouped plants or a warm vitrine helps the thin leaf margins stay cleaner.
• Temperature: Aim for 18–26 °C. Protect the plant from cold windowsills, draughts and sudden night drops.
• Feeding: Offer weak fertiliser in spring and summer, then rinse the substrate occasionally to limit salt accumulation.
• Repotting: Increase by one pot size when roots and rhizomes have filled the container. A modest size increase keeps watering easier to control.
• Propagation: Divide established clumps during repotting, keeping rooted shoots together for a fuller restart.

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' leaf and root issues

• Dry brown edges: Check humidity, watering rhythm and mineral load. This cultivar marks quickly when the leaf margins lose water.
• Leaves folding tightly in daytime: Inspect substrate moisture and temperature. Heat, drought or root stress can trigger curling.
• Yellow lower leaves: Check for a cold, wet rootball or blocked drainage. Remove affected leaves once the cause is corrected.
• Washed-out foliage: Shift the plant into softer filtered light and protect it from direct sun through glass.
• Speckled surfaces: Inspect the undersides for mites or thrips. Fine pale foliage can show pest feeding early.

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' household placement

Keep Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' away from pets and children that bite leaves. Chewed foliage can upset sensitive stomachs and damage the compact clump.

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' family and name note

Ctenanthe combines Greek roots meaning “comb” and “anther,” linked to floral form. 'Amagris' sits in Marantaceae, the same family as Maranta, Goeppertia and Stromanthe.

Ctenanthe burle-marxii 'Amagris' forms a compact rounded clump with silver-toned leaves, dark venation and muted grey-purple undersides.