Ctenanthe burle-marxii is part of the Marantaceae family and is native to tropical Brazil. The leaves are oblong in shape, pale grey-green in colour with dark green lines and purple undersides. ‘Amagris’ is a naturally-occurring whole plant mutation of Ctenanthe burle-marxii and has been in tissue culture since 2000.
Ctenanthe display a nyctinastic (movement at night) response, meaning leaves move to be upright at night.
Genus name is derived from the Greek ‘ktenos’ meaning comb and ‘anthe’ meaning flowered.
Pot: ø 6cm.
Height: Approximately 10cm from base of pot.
Light: Even if this plant doesn’t see the sun but receives indirect light all day, it will put out new growth, however, for optimum growth and pronounced variegation, provide this plant with bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain.
Water: Given adequate light, keep the potting mix evenly moist. If the soil dries out too much, the plant will become limp, aerate the mix with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes. Over the next day or so, the leaves will perk up.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, a little bit of orchid bark and worm castings. Adding a small amount of sphagnum moss will help to retain moisture in the mix.
Temperature: 15-23°C.
Humidity: Ctenanthe prefer higher humidity (over 60%) but adapt well to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Ctenanthe are non-toxic.