The Ctenanthe Burle-Marxii is a beautiful tropical plant. The long oval leaves have a dark green fish bone pattern, which gives this plant its common name, fishbone prayer plant. It is also commonly known as never never plant and Calathea Burle Marx.
The Ctenanthe is a type of prayer plant. The leaves open during the day, and, as a response to changes in sunlight, fold and point up at night like praying hands.
This is not the easiest plant to grow indoors. These plants don’t like to be neglected, so this is not your best choice if you prefer a low-maintenance plant.
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Light Requirements
In the rainforests of South America, Ctenanthe Burle Marxii plants grow in dappled or shaded light under the canopies of tall trees. Indoors, place it where it gets low to medium bright, indirect light.
Don’t put your plant in complete shade, it needs some light to open its leaves during the day. At the same time, avoid too much direct sunlight. If the light is too strong, it can fade and burn the leaves.
Use a soft cloth to clean the leaves of your plant occasionally when you notice any dust on them. This will help your plant so it can soak up as much light as possible.
Plant care refresher: Basic Guide to Houseplant Care.
Watering
Water your Ctenanthe Burle Marxii regularly to keep the soil damp. Be careful not to overwater. Soggy soil can drown and rot the roots. You want the soil to feel like a well-wrung-out sponge.
In fall and winter, when growth slows down, your plant needs less water. Wait until the surface of the soil is dry, but make sure to not let the soil dry out completely. Extended periods of dryness can result in drooping leaves and brown tips or edges.
If you are uncertain you can use a moisture meter to tell if it’s time to water.
Further reading: When to water indoor plants – Tips on using a moisture meter.
Fertilizing
Begin a regular fertilizing schedule in early spring. Feed it with half-diluted liquid fertilizer once every two to three weeks throughout the growing season.
Be sure the soil is damp before fertilizing and don’t fertilize in winter. Also never fertilize if your plant is recently repotted or is having issues. Fertilizer is not a plant medicine. It will only stress out an already stressed-out plant. Analyze, adjust, and when your plant recovers, continue your normal care routine.
Humidity
Like many tropical plants, the Ctenanthe Burle-Marxii is used to a very humid environment.
Brown, crispy leaf tips can be a sign that your plant needs more humidity. Keeping the humidity high is especially important in winter when the heaters go on and the air indoors is usually drier.
If the air in your home is dry, you can mist the leaves of your plant, to temporarily up the humidity. But the best way to raise the humidity is by placing a small humidifier near your plant.
Repotting
Every two to three years repot in spring when the plant is actively growing. The soil will have lost its nutrients and will need to be replaced with fresh well-draining potting soil.
If your Burle marxii prayer plant has outgrown its pot, repot it in a pot one size bigger than the original. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes on the bottom. Without those, excess water has no way to get out and will drown the roots.
Since the fishbone prayer plant loves damp soil, using a moisture-holding plastic pot is a good option. Clay pots can be used but will need more frequent watering since terra cotta is porous and water will evaporate quicker.
Related reading: How to repot your plants.
Ctenanthe Burle-Marxii Propagation
Ctenanthe plants are easily propagated by water propagating stem cuttings. Cut a stem right below a node and place the cuttings in water until roots develop.
Another super simple way to propagate prayer plants is by division. Remove the soil from the roots and divide your plant into two or more smaller parts. Gently pull sections apart, making sure each has a portion of the roots attached. Repot the parts in separate, smaller containers.
Related reading: 6 Ways to propagate all your plants.
Leaves Curling
Curling leaves are a common problem. It usually means that the plant is thirsty. If you haven’t watered your plant in a while, go ahead and water. It will quickly recover once it had a thorough drink.
Leaves also tend to curl if the humidity is too low or if the plant is getting too much light. Increase humidity and, or move away from the light.
Leaves Not Pointing Up and Down
If the leaves of your Ctenanthe prayer plant are not moving and pointing up at night, it is probably getting too much light. There needs to be a noticeable difference in light and dark for the leaves to open and close.
Even if it’s just a night light near your plant or a street light outside the window, your plant might simply be in too much light to point up and down. On the other hand, if your plant isn’t opening its leaves during the day, it is probably not getting enough light.
Related reading: Prayer plant care problems + Solutions!
Plant Pests
Watch out for common houseplant pests like aphids, spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs. Keep the leaves clean and dust-free and inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests to catch a possible infestation before it becomes severe. Check under leaves and in axils where insects like to hide.
Learn more about common houseplant pests and what you can do to get rid of them.
Ctenanthe Burle Marxii Toxic to Cats?
Prayer plants are considered not toxic. The Ctenanthe is safe to grow at home around your cats or dogs.