Fishbone prayer plant
Also called Never never plant, Burle Marx ctenanthe.
| Light | medium light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 5 days in the growing season, every 10 in winter |
| Humidity | high |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Height | Up to 40 cm (16 in) tall |
| Pets | Cats not known, dogs not known |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, no entry for Ctenanthe burle-marxii.
The markings are the most graphic of any prayer plant: dark green bars laid at an angle down each side of the midrib on a pale silvery ground, like a fishbone drawn with a ruler, with deep purple undersides. It spreads sideways on short runners into a low dense clump rather than growing upright, so a wide shallow pot suits it. Care is the family’s usual list: shade rather than sun, steady moisture, real humidity and soft water. It folds its leaves upright every evening and opens them in the morning, and a plant that has stopped doing that is telling you something is wrong before any mark appears on a leaf.
Ailments observed
| Brown crisp edges on the leaves | Hard tap water or dry air. Switch to rainwater and raise the humidity. Judge any change by the new leaves, because a browned edge does not heal. |
|---|---|
| Leaves curling inwards or under | Dry compost, or a cold draught from a door. Water it and move it somewhere steadier. Folding up at night is normal and is what the whole family does. |
Filed underPlants for a bathroom, Plants for humid air, Plants for a balcony or a small space
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