Ctenanthe setosa, an imposing tropical plant
Ctenanthe setosa
- Exposures
- Half-shade, Shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Genus
- Ctenanthe
- Species
- Ctenanthe setosa
Like its cousins in the Marantaceae family, goeppertia lancifolia and goeppertia makoyana, Ctenanthe setosa grows in the forests of Brazil. It is cultivated in our temperate climates for the beauty of its evergreen foliage.
How to recognize Ctenanthe setosa?
In the wild, Ctenanthe setosa grows up to one meter fifty. Indoors, the plant can reach 70 centimetres. This stature enables it to maintain its upright habit.
Ctenanthe setosa is also impressive for the size of its lanceolate leaves: 45 centimetres long and twelve centimetres wide at maturity. The foliage is also distinguished by its color. The blades are pale green, even slightly silvery. Each blade is variegated with dark green patterns. They are distributed on either side of the vein, reminiscent of zebra stripes or fish bones. On the reverse, the green is replaced by purple.
While the leaves make the different varieties famous, it's the flowers that have given the Ctenanthe genus its name. It comes from the Greek and means comb-shaped flowers. In theory, the creamy, spiky inflorescences bloom in spring. In practice, they can bloom at any time of year.
If you have pets or young children, you can adopt a Ctenanthe setosa without worry. This perennial plant is not toxic to humans, cats or dogs.
Our care tips
Not very demanding, your Ctenanthe setosa is content with a location without direct sunlight and plenty of humidity.
Watering
Water your Ctenanthe setosa when the soil is dry on the surface, using non-calcareous water. The soil should remain slightly moist and fresh, especially in summer. But it must not be waterlogged, otherwise the roots may rot.
Misting
Mist your Ctenanthe setosa with non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or demineralized water.
Fogging temporarily increases humidity and helps prevent the appearance of pests.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Ctenanthe setosa 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 setosa 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 setosa, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Add green plant fertilizer to watering water.
Cleaning
The dust that accumulates on the leaves prevents your Ctenanthe setosa from receiving light. Remember to clean the foliage with a damp, clean cloth or sponge.
Prune
Using clean, sharp pruning shears, remove damaged or dried-out foliage.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Carefully dig up your plant. Locate a rhizome with roots and several leaves on its periphery.
Carefully separate it from the others using your hands or a clean, sharp tool.
Place the reject in a pot with holes adapted to its size. Pour a thin layer of gravel or clay balls into the bottom. Add potting soil for seedlings and plantations. Plant your cutting and cover the roots with soil.
Water for the first time to facilitate contact between roots and substrate.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- Half-shadeShade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorHerbaceous
- Tag
- Thirsty
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenSilverPurple
- Flower color
- Cream
Discover plants from the same family
Zebra Calathea
Goeppertia zebrina
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
