Ctenanthe Never Never plant is a resident of Brazilian rainforests. It is also called the Ctenanthe plant. It has more than 12 species. All the species have the same growing requirements. Some of the most popular varieties are discussed below.
Never Never plant is every green plant with variegated foliage.
Grow it in well-draining humus soil. Keep the temperature between 55 to 85 degrees F. Fertilize the Ctenanthe plant only in its growing season.
If you grow houseplants then you definitely grow the Ctenanthe plant. It has minimal needs. Below is the complete care guide of the Ctenanthe Never Never plant
Popular varieties of Never Never plant
Ctenanthe amabilis
It has large size grey and green leaves. It does not grow tall like other plants of this genus. But it spread widely and cover 1.5 feet area. Ctenanthe amabilis develop roots at the nodes. You can use these nodes to propagate never never plant.
It is a tropical plant so it needs high humidity and fast-draining soil.
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Ctenanthe burle-marxii
If you like short-colored foliage plants then this plant is for you. It grows short and has smaller leaves as compared to the above type.
This plant has silver-grey leaves that look amazingly beautiful in low light. It does not need much sunlight. Partial shade is enough to grow it from cutting.
This is the best low-maintenance garden plant.
About the plant
Under ideal growing conditions, this plant grows up to 8 feet horizontally and 20 inches in height. The leaf size will be 12 to 18 inches in length. All the leaves have silver markings on them.
The size of this plant depends on the root size. In a big container, it grows large. To keep it short, grow it in a small-size container.
The popular species of the Ctenanthe family develop maroon undersides of leaves.
Growing and caring for Ctenanthe plants are easy and simple. Just follow the below guide and grow multiple never never plants in a container or in an outdoor garden.
Light requirements of Ctenanthe Never Never plant
For best care provide it with indirect bright sunlight. The light source can be a Sun or an artificial grow light. Choose a sunny window to place the plant pot. If you do not have an east or north-facing window then the only option left is growing lights.
If you place it in low light then the plant leaves will not develop bright color. The color variation is the result of bright light.
Therefore give it a proper light minimum of 4 hours per day.
Soil and nutrients
Moist soil is the key to success. This means the soil has to be world class quality. But for this purpose, you cannot use your garden soil. The commercial grade potting soil will be the best choice. This type of soil has all lightweight ingredients. Some expensive potting soils also contain fertilizers.
If you use pre-fertilized soil then your plant will not need additional fertilizer. Otherwise, you have to use normal houseplant fertilizer. This can be any liquid plant fertilizer.
Use it only once a week to avoid over-fertilization. Synthetic liquid fertilizers are best for caring Ctenanthe never never plant.
Suitable temperature
It is a cool climate plant. The temperature of the grow room should be between 10 to 29 degrees C. We all have a safe indoor temperature.
In winters you have to give more care to your plants. Because they will start dying if the temperature drops below 10 degrees C. Never plant cannot handle the hard cold winds.
You can take the help of a room temperature monitor to keep eye on changing temperature.
Once the temperature drop below 10 degrees C shifts it to another warm place.
Watering Ctenanthe Never Never plant
Regular moist soil is required to grow from seeds or from seedlings. No doubt the plant can tolerate the different types of soil moisture. But that depends on other factors. If the room humidity is high then it can grow in less moist soil. Because the plants suck moisture from the air through their leaves.
Deep watering is best for Ctenanthe never never plants. Water it continuously until it drains out through the bottom hole of the plant pot.
But you also need to keep in mind the root rot. This fungus is responsible for killing 67% of houseplants. Because the new growers think by giving more water to plants. They can speed up their growth.
Use clean and fresh water for watering never never plants.
Propagation
This can be done by dividing the mature plant. Choose healthy divisions and plant them in different pots and give some water.
After that put the place in a bright light location. Use new soil in each plant pot and do not fertilize the plant until it gets established. The plant will take 20 days to stand healthy in its new pot. Then give some nutrient boost to speed up the growth.
Common pests and diseases
Ctenanthe never plant is resistant to common sapsuckers. But they are also clever. Their new generations are more healthy and deadliest than the old ones.
Nowadays you can see mealybugs almost on every type of houseplant. Your Ctenanthe plant is no different.
Pest attacks are common and many methods are available to kill them.
Use rubbing alcohol and wipe them off from the plant leaves. In the second option, you can use insecticidal soap to wash the entire plant. This will kill most of their colonies. If none of the methods works then the last option is commercial-grade pesticides.
They are made to kill all types of houseplant pests.
Curling leaves and yellow leaves
These are the two common diseases after root rot. Low humidity causes leaves to curl. Whereas overwatering can result in yellow leaves. Then this problem affects the roots.
Extra water in the pot also causes root rot. In this condition, the fungi eat up the plant roots. Your plant dies due to an infected root system.
When you see yellow leaves and the soil is wet. Then take out of the pot and inspect the roots. Cut the infected part of the roots.
Use new soil or sterilize the old potting soil then plant it back in the same pot.
This is all about the Ctenanthe Never Never plant. You do not need any additional knowledge to grow it. Because it is a beginner plant means very easy to grow and care for.
