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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Ctenanthe lubbersiana

bamburanta

An evergreen perennial to 2m tall, with branched stems bearing oblong to linear deep green leaves to 30cm long, mottled and streaked with yellow above, paler beneath. Spikes of white flowers are produced intermittently throughout the year

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green Variegated Yellow
Summer White Green Variegated Yellow
Autumn White Green Variegated Yellow
Winter White Green Variegated Yellow
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical 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

Correct

Plant range
Brazil

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

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