Never Never Plant

Never Never Plant

Ctenanthe burle marxii

The Never Never Plant is a small Evergreen Indoor Plant with oval shaped patterned green leaves. Undersides are Purple. Great Indoor Plant or Patio Plant. Grows to 30cm

Ctenanthe burle-marxii, commonly known as Never Never Plant, Prayer Plant, Fishbone Prayer Plant, or Calathea Burle-Marxii, is a stunning tropical houseplant admired for its distinctive, striped foliage. Native to Brazil, it is named in honor of Roberto Burle Marx, a renowned Brazilian landscape architect. This plant is part of the Marantaceae family, known for its vibrant leaves and unique “prayer-like” movement at night.

Key Features:

Appearance:

  • Form: A low-growing, clumping perennial plant with a spreading habit, often forming dense mats of foliage.
  • Height and Spread: Typically grows up to 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) tall and spreads to 60–80 cm (24–32 inches) wide.
  • Foliage: Oval-shaped leaves with light green to silvery backgrounds and dark green, herringbone-patterned markings resembling fishbones. The undersides of the leaves are a rich purple.
  • Flowers: Occasionally produces small, inconspicuous white or yellow flowers, but it is primarily grown for its striking foliage.

Growing Conditions:

Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light may cause the patterns to fade.
  • Can tolerate low light conditions, but growth may slow down.

Soil:

  • Prefers well-draining, rich soil. A mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite works well.

Watering:

  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
  • Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as the plant is sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride.

Humidity:

  • Requires high humidity (above 50%) to thrive. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or mist the leaves regularly if the air is dry.

Temperature:

  • Prefers temperatures between 18–27°C (65–80°F). Avoid exposing it to cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C (59°F).

Advantages:

  1. Striking Foliage: Adds a unique, artistic look to indoor spaces.
  2. Air-Purifying: Improves air quality by filtering toxins.
  3. Compact Growth: Perfect for small spaces or as part of a plant collection.
  4. Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet owners.

Care Tips:

  • Watering: Avoid overwatering or letting the plant sit in standing water, as it is prone to root rot.
  • Cleaning Leaves: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them looking vibrant.
  • Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the roots.
  • Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.

Uses in Interiorscaping:

  • Tabletop Plant: Its compact size makes it ideal for desks, coffee tables, or shelves.
  • Terrarium: Can be used in a humid terrarium setup due to its love for moisture and humidity.
  • Understory Accent: Perfect for adding lush greenery to shaded areas of your home.

Potential Issues:

  • Leaf Curling: Often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity and check the watering schedule.
  • Brown Leaf Edges: Can result from dry air, chemical-laden water, or over-fertilizing. Switch to distilled water and monitor humidity levels.
  • Pests: May occasionally attract spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Propagation:

  • Propagate through division when repotting. Carefully separate the root clumps, ensuring each division has a healthy portion of roots and stems, and replant them in fresh soil.

Companion Plants:

  • Pair with other tropical, humidity-loving plants like:
    • Calatheas (e.g., Calathea orbifolia or Calathea lancifolia)
    • Marantas (e.g., Maranta leuconeura, the true Prayer Plant)
    • Ferns (e.g., Boston fern or maidenhair fern)
    • Philodendrons (e.g., Philodendron micans or Philodendron brasil)

Interesting Facts:

  • Its common name, “Prayer Plant,” refers to its fascinating behavior of raising its leaves at night as if in prayer. This movement, known as nyctinasty, is controlled by changes in light and water pressure within the leaf nodes.
  • Named after Roberto Burle Marx, who was a pioneer of modern landscape design and an advocate for the conservation of Brazilian flora.

$15.25 – $66.25 inc. GST

In stock

SKU: Scharb-1-1 Categories: , ,

Melbourne Metro deliveries cost $44.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

The Mornington Peninsula ** Mt Eliza to Portsea ** and Geelong deliveries cost $66.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

Outer Melbourne deliveries cost $132.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 7 business days.

Regional Victoria deliveries cost between $143.00 – $264.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

Call David Direct on 0427 047 857 to

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