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Ctenanthe burle-marxii

A tender, evergreen perennial to about 60cm tall, with softly hairy purple-tinged green stems bearing oblong to ovate pale green leaves, marked with dark green bands forming a fishbone pattern, and purple beneath. Small clusters of white flowers may be borne intermittently throughout the year at the ends of long stems

Synonyms
Calathea stromata
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green Purple
Summer White Green Purple
Autumn White Green Purple
Winter White Green Purple
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Unresolved

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 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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