Each plant has specific needs that must be met for it to be healthy and stay healthy. In the case of Ctenanthe, care differs depending on the variety in question. But almost everyone agrees.
Do you have a Ctenanthe at home and you don’t know what it needs? Don’t worry, we’ll help you below. Pay attention.
Contents
How is a Ctenanthe
The first thing you need to know about the Ctenanthe is that it is a plant native to Brazil, specifically from the rainforest. Which already tells you that it will need humidity and not too much sun. It is also known as Never never or Never ever because it is perennial and gives a splash of color to any place it is placed.
Also there are many varieties, some of them so different you won’t think they’re related. For example, there are ctenanthes that look like calatheas, and others that have yellow-spotted leaves. Keep in mind that they are part of the Marantacea (yes, marantas) family.
What should be kept in mind is that in almost all varieties, the leaves will be lanceolate, long and oval (more or less thick) and also they will have scratches on them.
They can reach grow up to 2 meters horizontally and almost double in height.
And, like marantas, it’s not toxic to animals, so nothing will happen if your cat or dog tears off a leaf from it and eats it (apart from the fact that the poor plant will suffer the loss of that leaf and will be less pretty). It can therefore be placed anywhere without worrying too much (unless your animal is one of those who “trims” the plant a lot).
Ctenanthe: care you should give him
Getting your Ctenanthe to be well cared for and even have almost the same characteristics as its natural habitat isn’t easy, but it isn’t difficult either. It can actually be achieved. But for this it is convenient that you know all the tricks and care of this plant to achieve this.
And that’s something we’re going to do next.
Location and lighting
Let’s start with the first point: where to place your ctenanthe so that it is healthy? In this case, if you remember what its natural habitat is, we were talking about tropical forests, which implies: one, which hardly receives the sun, but rather the light; and secondly, that it is protected by other plants and this creates a constant humidity effect, which Ctenanthe needs.
That said, in your home, you could put it somewhere where have lighting but no direct sunlight. It needs light, a lot, but it should not be placed in the sun, but rather indirect lighting. Keep in mind that your plant will help you.
If you notice that the leaves that come out are dark green and the drawings that it has of another color begin to disappear, this tells you that it does not receive too much light. And if you notice that the leaves are too light, that you can barely make out the color pattern, that will tell you that you have gone too far with the light.
If you are better oriented by location north, south, east or west, then bet on placing it (if you are in the northern hemisphere) in a North West.
Temperature
Another important point to keep in mind about Ctenanthes is the temperature they withstand. In the jungle, its temperature is usually low, between 13 and 25 ºC. This is why it is important that you provide this same temperature.
Now it can be adapted, although it will take time. Below 13 degrees does not hold let alone if there is frost, you can kill the plant in a few hours. This is why it is recommended, in summer, to take it out of the house if your temperature is not too high; and in winter home goals.
Substrate
One of the least difficult cares for the Ctenanthe is the choice of substrate for the pot. Actually it matches any soil, provided it is drained. If you don’t have one, you’ll have a hard time getting by because the roots need room to breathe (this is what provides them with drainage).
Irrigation
And from easy maintenance to difficult one: irrigation. The Ctenanthe needs irrigation which makes the soil constantly moist. Do not dilute, be careful. It is important that the plant is watered often. But the most important thing will be that you spray it with water.
In fact, sometimes watering that second is more advisable than watering it, especially because if you go too far, you can end up rotting the roots. Therefore, when it comes to watering, we recommend giving it a few days once the soil is dry to ensure the roots won’t rot from watering so often. In other words, wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
That yes you have to do, sometimes several times a day, it’s spraying water so that the environment is more humid, which is exactly what the plant needs (and thanks to this it can be fed with water).
Subscriber
Be grateful for the monthly subscription (as long as you haven’t transplanted it recently). What is recommended is that half of the product is used than what the manufacturer says.
Plagues and diseases
What do you need to know that can kill your plant? In addition to not giving your Ctenanthe the necessary healing, it can be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites or thrips. All of them will affect the leaves and stems, and catching them in time will help save your plant.
As for diseases, botrytis, characterized by gray mold, will also affect (and is caused by excess moisture). Other problems you will have will be caused by excess heat, excess or lack of light, high or low humidity and irrigation.
Multiplication
Finally, we come to the reproduction of the Ctenanthe. In this case, you should know that It reproduces by dividing the parent plant.
Of course, you have to wait until it is big enough to be able to divide it.
Do you have any other questions about the care of the Ctenanthe?