Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ctenanthe are bushy evergreen perennials grown for their usually strikingly patterned, lance-shape to obovate leaves; irregular and usually inconspicuous tubular white or yellow flowers are borne in short racemes intermittently throughout the year
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost (JI No.2) in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to summer. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel. Water to keep compost moist in winter, and keep draught-free at a constant temperature. Repot annually in late spring or early summer. See houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 19 to 24°C in spring as soon as ripe or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.