Ctenanthe | Never Never Plant

Meet the Ctenanthe! These prayer-plant cousins of the Calathea come from the rainforests of Brazil and fold their striped leaves upward every evening, like they're saying goodnight. There are around 15 species, and the most popular indoors are Ctenanthe oppenheimiana (the Never Never Plant), Ctenanthe burle-marxii (the Fishbone Prayer Plant) and Ctenanthe lubbersiana (Golden Mosaic). People love them for Calathea-style leaves on a plant that's a little tougher and, yes, pet-safe!

Browse our Ctenanthe collection, or dive into our Never Never Plant guide and Ctenanthe lubbersiana guide.

Safe for pets and children
Repot once every 2 years
Fertilize once a month
Bright, indirect light
Average water

Ready, Set, Ctenanthe.

Ctenanthe Burle Marx | Prayer Plant (S)

Vlad

1900

20 cm

10 cm

Ctenanthe Lubbersiana Golden | Mosaic Plant (S)

Avery

2200

22 cm

10 cm

Ctenanthe Oppenheimiana | Prayer plant (XL)

Caspian

13900

75 cm

25 cm

About Ctenanthe

Ctenanthe belongs to the prayer-plant family (Marantaceae), alongside Calathea, Maranta and Stromanthe. Most species are native to Brazil, where they grow on the shady, humid rainforest floor under tall trees. Unlike most Calatheas, many Ctenanthes form branching stems above the soil, which is why some types can be grown from stem cuttings.

Like any leafy houseplant, a Ctenanthe takes up a little carbon dioxide and gives off moisture, which can help dry winter air feel a bit softer. There's no study that singles it out as an air purifier, so we'll let those gorgeous leaves do the talking instead.

Is Ctenanthe toxic to cats? No, Ctenanthe is considered non-toxic and safe for cats, dogs and kids. The ASPCA doesn't list Ctenanthe by name, but its closest relatives, Calathea and Maranta, are on the ASPCA's non-toxic list for cats and dogs. As with any plant, a serial nibbler may still get a mild upset stomach; find more pet-safe amigos in our pet-friendly plants.

Caring for Ctenanthe

Water when the top inch (2–3 cm) of soil has dried out, aiming for soil that stays lightly moist but never soggy. These amigos are sensitive to minerals in hard tap water, so filtered, distilled or rainwater at room temperature helps prevent crispy brown tips. Water a little less in fall and winter when growth slows.

Medium to bright, indirect light is the sweet spot, like a few feet back from an east- or west-facing window. Keep them out of direct sun, which bleaches and scorches the patterned leaves. They like it warm (18–27°C) and humid (50% or more), so keep them away from cold drafts, heat vents and winter windows.

Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Skip the snacks in fall and winter, and wait about a month after repotting before you feed again.

Repot these amigos every 1–2 years in spring, or when roots start poking out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger and a light, airy mix with peat or coco coir and perlite. Spring repotting is also a good time to divide a big clump into new plants.

Pruning is mostly tidying: snip yellow, brown or damaged leaves off at the base with clean, sharp scissors, any time of year. Ctenanthes rarely flower indoors, and the small white blooms are easy to miss. If you see one, enjoy it, then cut the stalk once it fades.

Ctenanthe SOS

Curling leaves usually mean thirst or dry air, while yellow, droopy leaves point to soggy soil. Brown, crispy edges come from low humidity or hard tap water. Spider mites love dry indoor air, so check under the leaves for fine webbing and wipe or spray with insecticidal soap if you spot them; mealybugs and aphids can show up too.