Price Match Guarantee:
If you find the same plant at another online shop for a better price, we will match it.**Exempt are online garden centers and DIY markets and sales offers.
Free Shipping
On orders over £85.
Calathea 'Ctenanthe'
Ctenanthe Burle-Marxii Amabilis
Why You'll Love It?
-
Visually Stunning: The unique fishbone pattern and bold green foliage instantly elevate your space with a tropical, design-forward touch.
-
Nighttime Performer: Its leaf movement at dusk offers a calming, meditative ritual-perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
-
Sleep-Friendly: Produces oxygen at night, making it an ideal plant for bedrooms or areas where you rest and relax.
-
Air-Purifying Power: Helps detoxify indoor air by absorbing pollutants, contributing to a cleaner, healthier home environment.
-
Natural Humidifier: Adds moisture to the air, which supports skin hydration, respiratory comfort, and overall wellness-especially in dry climates or air-conditioned rooms.
-
Compact and Versatile: Stays under 30cm tall, making it easy to fit on desks, shelves, or bedside tables without crowding your space.
-
Low-Maintenance Elegance: With the right care, this plant thrives indoors, requiring only moderate light and humidity to stay lush and happy.
-
Perfect for All Plant Lovers: Whether you're a beginner or an enthusiast, this plant brings joy, interest, and beauty to any skill level.
Meet the Calathea 'Ctenanthe'
Commonly known as the Never Never Plant or Fishbone Prayer Plant, the Calathea 'Ctenanthe' is a compact beauty with long, oval leaves marked by striking fishbone-like stripes. Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, this plant pays tribute to legendary Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, reflecting his love for bold, structured foliage.
Why It's Called the "Prayer Plant"
One of its most captivating features is its circadian rhythm-each evening, its leaves gently lift and close, mimicking praying hands. This natural movement isn't just fascinating to watch-it also signals the plant's enhanced oxygen production at night, making it a thoughtful addition to bedrooms or relaxation spaces.
Natural Air Purifier & Humidifier
More than just beautiful, this Calathea variety is also an effective air purifier, filtering toxins and improving indoor air quality. It also acts as a natural humidifier, releasing moisture into the air, which helps support healthy skin and respiration-ideal for dry or air-conditioned homes.
Perfect for Any Indoor Space
With a maximum height of around 30cm, the Calathea 'Ctenanthe' is well-suited for shelves, desks, or windowsills. Its moderate size and bold foliage add a touch of tropical elegance without overwhelming your space.
Care Tips for Thriving Growth
Though tropical by nature, this plant is low-maintenance with the right conditions:
-
Keep in indirect light
-
Water when the top inch of soil is dry
-
Maintain moderate humidity and warmth
With a little attention, your Calathea will remain vibrant and healthy year-round-even in cooler climates.
Calathea 'Ctenanthe' Care Guide
Light
I like a lot of diffused light, but direct sunlight will cause the leaves to fade and lose my precious markings. Because I grow on the canopy floor, I can tolerate shade, but I grow much better with indirect light.
Water
I like my soil to be moist, but I am also susceptible to root rot, so don't let me sit in water. Think little and often as a watering policy.
Temperature
I prefer warm to high temperatures, ideally between 18-23°C but I can cope with as low as 15°C. Keep me away from draughts.
Feeding
Apply a weak dose of a nitrogen rich foliage fertiliser once or twice a month during the growing season.
Grooming
Wipe my leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, so that I can breathe properly.
Care
I like humidity so please occasionally spray me with water.
Calathea 'Ctenanthe' General Information
Origin
I am native to Central and South America.
Size
I can grow to about 15" in height quite easily but taper off a little after that.
Toxicity
Good news: I am pet friendly!
Price Match Guarantee:
If you find the same plant at another online shop for a better price, we will match it.**Exempt are online garden centers and DIY markets and sales offers.
Free Shipping
On orders over £85.
