Ctenanthe lubbersiana aka Never Never Plant
Taxonomy
Ctenanthe lubbersiana, also known as the bamburanta, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ctenanthe. Native to tropical Brazil, it belongs to the Marantaceae family and is closely related to the calathea and prayer plant. This evergreen perennial is primarily grown for its stunning and colorful leaves. It has gained recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society, receiving the Award of Garden Merit as a subtropical hothouse ornamental.
Growing up to 2 meters in height, Ctenanthe lubbersiana features branched stems that bear oblong deep green leaves, which are beautifully mottled and streaked with yellow on the upper surface and paler below. It is one of the three Ctenanthe species that make excellent houseplants, alongside C. oppenheimiana and C. burle-marxii.
Ctenanthe oppenheimiana, also called the 'Never Never Plant,' can reach a height of 3 feet and produces lance-shaped leaves that are dark green with silver bands. Its foliage showcases maroon undersides, and the Tricolor variety of C. oppenheimiana offers even more vibrant colors. On the other hand, C. burle-marxii is a smaller and more compact plant, featuring silver-gray elliptical leaves with green stripes.
While these Ctenanthe plants are visually appealing, they require a bit more care and attention. They are considered mildly poisonous, although often listed as non-toxic. It is important to note that they may cause individual allergic reactions and should be kept away from pets and children.
Common names
Never Never Plant, Never NeverHow to care for Never Never Plant
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Never Never Plant is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Never Never Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Never Never Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Never Never Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Never Never Plant is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Never Never Plant does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Never Never Plant should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Never Never Plant as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Never Never Plant’s native range is Central and South America.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Never Never Plant with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
