Never never plants, also known as Ctenanthe, are tropical plants that thrive in warm, moist, and shady environments. They prefer indirect light, high humidity, and moist, rich soil with good drainage. To care for these plants, they should be placed in a naturally humid spot like a bathroom or kitchen, with the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and water or mist their leaves regularly.
Ctenanthe Setosa, the Grey Star plant, requires specific light, soil, and watering requirements. The top five steps to growing ctenanthe include:
- Position the plant in a warm, humid spot away from cold draughts.
- Water the plant regularly, using Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Indoor Plants.
- Fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season, repotting every two years or as needed.
- Check that the humidity around the plant is relatively low.
- Keep the soil continually moist, providing a good level of indirect light and temperatures above 15°C (59°F).
- Water the plant regularly in summer to keep the soil moist but not soggy, as this can lead to fungal issues.
In summary, never never plants require basic care and the right conditions, such as indirect light, high humidity, moist, rich soil, and good drainage. By following these tips, you can ensure the health and longevity of your Never Never plant, which is a beautiful and unique houseplant.
📹 Complete Guide to Ctenanthe Care & Propagation (Stem and Division)
Do you want to learn more about Ctenanthe plant care? I’ll cover their origins, how they grow, along with how to care for …
Does Ctenanthe purify air?
The Lubbersiana is a popular ornamental houseplant in Brazil and Costa Rica, renowned for its resilience and capacity to withstand elevated temperatures. While the plant is not toxic, ingestion by pets may result in illness. The Ctenanthe plant is not a sun-loving species and therefore requires placement in a shaded or partially shaded environment. It is recommended that the plant be provided with food every two weeks during the summer months.
Where do you keep Ctenanthe?
- Choose a medium to bright indirect light spot.
- Use a premium potting mix like Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Indoor Plants.
- Position the plant in a humid environment like a bathroom or kitchen.
- Water or mist the leaves regularly.
- Fertilize the plant with an indoor plant fertilizer like Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed for Indoor Plants once a month during spring, summer, and autumn.
- Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base to promote new growth.
- Choose a suitable pot with Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix, Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer, Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver, and Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer: All Purpose.
Should I remove brown leaves from my plant?
Brown leaf tips or edges are common in indoor plants, especially spider plants and dracaena. To improve appearance, trim brown portions off the leaves with scissors. However, new browning may occur if the root cause is not addressed. Low humidity is the most likely cause, especially during winter months. Raise humidity levels using a humidifier, pebble tray, terrarium, or grouping plants together. Inconsistent watering or improper fertilization can also cause browning. To prevent further browning, water and fertilize appropriately and avoid excessive salt buildup in the soil.
How do you save dying Ctenanthe?
To propagate a plant, cut any dying stems to an inch from the soil line, allowing new growth to develop from its rhizomes. If necessary, remove all stems, leaving a bare pot of soil. Provide moist soil and a well-lit location, and new growth will appear within a few months. Avoid repotting or separating the rootstocks during this time to avoid transplant shock and death.
Propagation can be done through seed, rhizome (offset) division, or stem cuttings. Divide the plant during spring, with the pup’s height surpassing 20cm (7. 8 inches). Brush away some soil to gain better access to the pup’s base, and cut the stem with at least two root strands attached. Place the pup in an appropriate-sized pot with adequate drainage and a ‘Houseplant’ labelled compost. Maintain evenly moist soil, allowing the top third to dry out between hydrations. After a month or two, treat the plant like a matured specimen.
Is Ctenanthe toxic to humans?
Ctenanthe is a non-toxic plant that is safe for homes and pets. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, so it should be placed near an east or west window or artificial light to avoid scorched leaves or leggy plants. Watering is important, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and allowing the topsoil to dry before the next watering. Overwatering is not recommended as Ctenanthe is not fond of wet feet. It is important to wash your hands after handling the plant to avoid allergic reactions.
How to fix Calathea leaf curling?
Calathea plants can curl their leaves due to various factors, including water quality, temperature, humidity, and humidity. To address these issues, use filtered water or let tap water sit overnight to reduce chlorine content. Increase humidity by misting leaves, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier. Keep the plant in a drafty area or away from heating and cooling vents to prevent cold temperatures or excessive dryness. Ensure that the Calathea is not exposed to drafty areas or excessive dryness to prevent curling.
Where to put a Ctenanthe?
- Choose a medium to bright indirect light spot.
- Use a premium potting mix like Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Indoor Plants.
- Position the plant in a humid environment like a bathroom or kitchen.
- Water or mist the leaves regularly.
- Fertilize the plant with an indoor plant fertilizer like Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed for Indoor Plants once a month during spring, summer, and autumn.
- Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base to promote new growth.
- Choose a suitable pot with Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix, Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer, Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver, and Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertilizer: All Purpose.
Why are the leaves on my Ctenanthe plant turning brown?
Ctenanthe plants flourish in humid environments, such as bathrooms or kitchens, and exhibit optimal growth at temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. To ensure optimal health, it is recommended that the leaf edges be misted with lukewarm water on a regular basis. To achieve optimal growth, it is recommended to apply a general houseplant fertilizer with iron every four weeks during the spring and summer months. During the winter, when growth slows, the application of fertilizer is not necessary.
How often do you water Ctenanthe?
To ensure optimal growth, water your Ctenanthe when the top 25-50 percent of soil is dry. This plant is not drought-tolerant but can tolerate prolonged dryness. It prefers a humid environment, especially in the bathroom or kitchen, and prefers temperatures between 65-85 degrees. If leaf edges curl or brown, mist them with lukewarm water regularly. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes to maintain its health.
Is Ctenanthe a good indoor plant?
Ctenanthe plants require sunlight, but should be surrounded by bright or filtered light for vibrant foliage. Lower light levels may cause leaf loss and leggy growth. To maintain their health and potential, repot them before they become rootbound, as the soil may not hold moisture for long and roots poke out of the pot’s drainage holes. If leaves curl during the day, it’s a sign of distress. Maintain a room temperature between 60° to 85° F and increase humidity if needed. Additionally, Ctenanthe may curl up if it’s not getting enough water. Overall, Ctenanthe plants require proper care and care to maintain their health and growth.
Should I mist Ctenanthe?
The ctenanthe ‘Compactstar’ plant thrives in warm, humid conditions, ideally between 18-27°C. To maintain its health, mist the plant regularly or place a tray of water nearby. Fertilize the plant with a diluted balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, either general-purpose houseplant fertilizer or one specifically formulated for tropical plants. In winter, reduce the frequency to once a month.
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the plant’s shape, as it tends to grow bushy. Remove yellow or brown leaves as soon as they appear to maintain its health and tidy appearance. Use clean shears or scissors when pruning.
📹 Houseplant Care Tutorial: Ctenanthe
January is houseplant month at Deb’s Greenhouse and Deb is giving her own houseplants some care. Todays plant is …
I’m in my early 30’s and only just now have started to develop a green thumb. I bought a beautiful Ctenanthe Burle Marxii and wanted to educate myself on how to care for it and perhaps one day even propagate it. Your article is clear, in depth and to the point with beautiful plants to set an example. Thank you!
I appreciate how comprehensive and to the point the article is. No rambling on, thank you. My Ctenanthe Burle Marxii is in bloom right now. I’ve had it for a few years but flowering has happened for the very first time. It produced long stalks with kind of spikelets at the end and there are tiny white flowers on them. Not the most attractive flowers but I take it as a sign the plant is content with its life. I have a question, though. Has any of your ctenanthes ever flowered? Do they need any special care now? Would you suggest cutting the spikes once the blossoming is finished?
Very informative article and you have a beautiful collection of Ctenanthe’s. I have heard that if you prune the stalks they will split into the three branches you you mentioned @ 11:51, just don’t prune them at the base. I’ve yet to try it on my Grey Star but its worked on my Burle Marxii. Happy growing 🏵
Hi there so I recently bought the Gray Star. I noticed little light dots in the back of most of the leaves. I don’t think it is anything like bugs, mold. It seems to be part of the leaf itself. Maybe a sensor type function? If you or anyone else have any idea let me know. Thank you for your article. 👍🏻