Ctenanthe lubbersiana, a Marantaceae XXL
Ctenanthe lubbersiana
- Exposures
- Half-shade, Shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Genus
- Ctenanthe
- Species
- Ctenanthe lubbersiana
Other names:Bamburanta, Stromanthe lubbersiana, Calathea Golden Mosaïc
Ctenanthe lubbersiana comes to us from the tropical forests of Brazil. Fashionable in the USA in the 60s and 70s, this herbaceous perennial could well make a comeback among lovers of giant plants and variegated foliage.
How to recognize Ctenanthe lubbersiana?
In their natural environment, adult Ctenanthes lubbersiana form bushes almost two meters high and one meter wide. Although they grow more modestly in pots, they can nevertheless reach a meter in height and width.
The branched stems of Ctenanthe lubbersiana resemble bamboo canes. They support oblong leaves. The dark-green blades are veined with cream and yellow on the upper surface. The underside is light green, rather than purple as in some varieties, such as the Ctenanthe burle-marxii and ctenanthe setosa.
Indoors, flowering remains rare. But don't be surprised if spikes of white or yellow flowers appear.
Ctenanthe lubbersiana belongs to the praying or sleeping plant family. Every evening, it folds its leaves thanks to a mechanism, the pulvinus, located at the base of the petiole. When day breaks, it spreads its foliage once more.
Ctenanthe lubbersiana is non-toxic. Some even claim it has pollution-removing properties. You can welcome it without fear if you share your space with children or pets.
Our care tips
Not very demanding, your Ctenanthe lubbersiana is content with a location without direct sunlight and plenty of humidity.
Watering
Your Ctenanthe lubbersiana likes its soil to be moist. But it hates excess water. Water when the surface of the substrate is dry (about a centimetre).
Use room-temperature, non-calcareous water, such as rainwater.
Drain any water that collects in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.
Misting
The Ctenanthes lubbersiana plants require a high level of humidity. Spray foliage with non-calcareous water, preferably rainwater.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Ctenanthe lubbersiana to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Choose a pierced pot one-third larger than the previous one. Choose width rather than height to allow roots to develop. Choose a plastic or ceramic container rather than a clay one. The latter tend to absorb water more quickly.
Install a bed of clay balls and cover it with potting soil for indoor plants. Don't hesitate to mix in some perlite to optimize drainage. Then place the rootball and add potting soil until you reach a centimetre or two below the rim of the pot. Tamp down to avoid air bubbles.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Feed your Ctenanthe lubbersiana with green plant fertilizer.
Cleaning
Dust prevents leaves from absorbing light and slows photosynthesis. You can use a brush or feather duster to clean the foliage.
Prune
Remove wilted and yellowed leaves.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Gently dig up your Ctenanthe lubbersiana. Locate a rhizome on the periphery, with several roots and even leaves. Separate it using a clean, sharp tool, such as disinfected secateurs.
In a pierced pot, pour a layer of clay balls for drainage. Add potting soil for seedlings and planting.
Using a pencil, make a pilot hole and plant your cutting.
Water at room temperature to help the plant take root.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- Half-shadeShade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorRhizomeHerbaceous
- Tags
- Cold-sensitiveThirsty
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenYellowCream
- Flower colors
- WhiteYellow
Discover plants from the same family
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
