Fishbone prayer plant (Ctenanthe burle-marxii)
Care, watering, light and tips for Fishbone prayer plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Marantaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Fishbone prayer plant
Ctenanthe burle-marxii, commonly known as Never-never plant, is a tropical plant from the Marantaceae family, valued for its oval leaves with intricate patterns of dark and light green on the upper side, and a striking purple on the underside. Its leaves fold up at night and unfurl during the day, a fascinating nyctinastic movement. It's an excellent choice for adding an exotic and colorful touch to interiors, especially in pots on tables or shelves.
Native range
Brazil
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Keep the substrate consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, watering when the top layer of the substrate begins to dry. It prefers a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A common mistake is low ambient humidity, which can lead to dry, crispy leaf tips; it benefits from regular misting or a humidifier.
How to save a dying Fishbone prayer plant
- Warning signs
- Leaves curled, dry, brown edges, yellow spots. Loses its leaf pattern.
- First aid
- Increase humidity (pebble tray), water with distilled water if soil is dry. Move away from drafts.
- What kills it
- Dry air, inconsistent humidity. Doesn't tolerate chlorinated water or soggy soil. Direct light burns leaves.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's sensitive but recovers with proper humidity and watering.