Patterned green foliage plant Ctenanthe burle-marxii
Close-up of Ctenanthe burle-marxii leaves
Ctenanthe burle-marxii with silver foliage
Ctenanthe burle-marxii leaves
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Ctenanthe burle-marxii, a masterpiece of nature
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Ctenanthe burle-marxii is a Marantaceae native to Brazil. Its name is a tribute to the artist and landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx. But Americans prefer to call it the fishbone plant, in reference to the patterns that adorn its leaves.
How to recognize Ctenanthe burle-marxii, the fishbone plant?
Ctenanthe burle-marxii is a rhizomatous perennial 50 centimetres high and 40 centimetres wide. Its compact, upright habit sets it apart from the much bushier Marantas. Its long, slender stems can branch, unlike those of calatheas (Goeppertia).
The stems support oval leaves with purple undersides. Pale green, almost cream-colored, the upper surface of the leaf blades is highlighted with dark green stripes. Their arrangement is reminiscent of a fish skeleton, hence the nickname " fishbone plant ". Does your specimen have striped leaves, but silver shading? It's probably a Ctenanthe burle-marxii amagris, a cultivar with grey-green foliage.
Ctenanthe burle-marxii rarely flowers indoors. Nevertheless, small white flowers in spikes may emerge from the foliage, as with ctenanthe lubbersiana or ctenanthe oppenheimiana.
Like other Marantaceae, Ctenanthe burle-marxii is a praying plant. When night falls, it folds its leaves skywards. When day breaks, it unfurls them again.
The variety is non-toxic to animals and humans alike. You can safely add it to your collection, even if you live with a greedy cat or curious children.
Our maintenance tips
Not very demanding, your Ctenanthe burle-marxii is content with a location without direct sunlight and plenty of humidity.
Watering
Allow the rootball to dry out to one centimeter between waterings. Water generously with non-calcareous water (rainwater, for example) at room temperature.
Drain off any excess water left in the dish or planter. It can rot the roots.
Spray
Mist the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. This will temporarily increase humidity and prevent pest attacks.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Ctenanthe burle-marxii to give it more space.
Obtain a pierced pot of a larger size than the previous one. Don't hesitate to choose a ceramic or plastic model. These materials retain moisture and allow you to space out watering. Your Ctenanthe burle-marxii also prefers a wide pot to a deep container to give it room to grow.
Line the bottom with gravel or clay balls for drainage. Then pour in potting soil for green plants. You can lighten it by adding perlite.
Plant your subject in the middle and fill in with substrate. Water for the first time to eliminate air bubbles and encourage rooting.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Ctenanthe burle-marxii, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Apply green plant fertilizer to accelerate growth.
Cleaning
The dust that accumulates on the leaves prevents your Ctenanthe burle-marxii from receiving light. Remember to clean the foliage with a damp, clean cloth or sponge.
Prune
Remove dead leaves. If you use pruning shears or scissors, clean them beforehand to prevent the spread of disease.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Ctenanthes burle-marxii are rhizomatous plants. They multiply by dividing clumps.
Take your Ctenanthe burle-marxii out of its pot. Using your hands or a clean, sharp tool, separate a shoot with at least four leaves and a rhizome. The more developed your young shoot, the greater your chances of a successful cutting.
Get a pot with holes to suit the size of your seedlings. Line the bottom with clay balls or gravel to improve drainage.
Pour in a rich, light substrate, such as potting soil, and plant your cuttings. To help you, you can use a pencil to form a pilot hole.
Water to encourage rooting and eliminate air bubbles.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Marantaceae - Marantaceae |
| Type | Ctenanthe - Ctenanthe |
| Species | Ctenanthe burle-marxii - Ctenanthe burle-marxii |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposures | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting method |
In pots |
| Categories | |
| Tag |
Soiffarde |
| Origin |
South America |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 11b |
| Leaf color |
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| Flower colors |
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