Never Never Plant (Grey Star)

Ctenanthe setosa Grey Star

The Never Never Plant Grey Star is a tall Evergreen Indoor Plant with silver grey leaves. Undersides are Deep Purple. Patio or Indoor Plant. Grows to 1.2M

Ctenanthe setosa ‘Grey Star’, commonly referred to as Grey Star Prayer Plant, (Or Never Never Plant) is a stunning tropical plant known for its silvery-grey, oval-shaped leaves with striking green veining. A member of the Marantaceae family, this plant is prized for its bold foliage, making it a popular choice for indoor collections or shaded outdoor gardens in tropical climates.


Key Features:

Appearance:

  • Leaves: Large, oval leaves with a silvery-grey surface and dark green veins that create a dramatic contrast. The undersides are a deep purple, adding extra visual interest.
  • Height and Spread: Grows up to 90–120 cm (3–4 feet) tall and about 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) wide, with a clumping growth habit.
  • Stems: Thin, upright, and slightly arching, contributing to its graceful appearance.

Movement:

  • Like other members of the Marantaceae family, its leaves exhibit nyctinasty, folding up in the evening and reopening in the morning.

Growing Conditions:

Light Requirements:

  • Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant leaf colors. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
  • Can tolerate lower light levels but may grow more slowly.

Soil:

  • Thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A mix of peat, perlite, and regular potting soil is ideal.
  • Avoid heavy, compacted soils that retain too much water.

Watering:

  • Requires consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogged soil. Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry.
  • Use filtered or distilled water, as it is sensitive to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine.

Humidity:

  • Needs high humidity (above 50%) to thrive. If the air is dry, mist the plant regularly, place it on a pebble tray, or use a humidifier.

Temperature:

  • Prefers temperatures between 18–27°C (65–80°F). Protect it from cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C (59°F).

Care Tips:

  1. Fertilizing:
    • Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
    • Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
  2. Pruning:
    • Trim any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain its appearance and encourage new growth.
  3. Repotting:
    • Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
  4. Cleaning Leaves:
    • Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their sheen.

Advantages:

  • Striking Foliage: Adds a bold, tropical look to indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for households with pets.
  • Air Purifying: Improves indoor air quality by filtering out toxins.

Potential Issues:

Common Problems:

  1. Brown Leaf Edges: Often caused by low humidity, dry soil, or water with high mineral content.
  2. Leaf Curling: Indicates underwatering, low humidity, or stress from drafts.
  3. Fading Colors: A sign of insufficient light.

Pests:

  • May attract spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Diseases:

  • Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Propagation:

  • Propagate through division during repotting:
    1. Gently remove the plant from its pot.
    2. Separate clumps of stems with roots attached.
    3. Replant each division in fresh soil and water thoroughly.

Uses in Interior scaping:

  • Statement Plant: Its bold foliage makes it an eye-catching centerpiece in living rooms, offices, or bedrooms.
  • Group Display: Combines beautifully with other tropical plants like Calatheas, Marantas, or Philodendrons.
  • Shaded Outdoor Areas: Ideal for patios, balconies, or gardens in warm climates with filtered light.

Companion Plants:

  • Calathea ornata: Complements the striking foliage of Ctenanthe setosa ‘Grey Star’ with its pink pinstripes.
  • Maranta leuconeura: Adds contrasting leaf shapes and vibrant patterns.
  • Ferns: Boston ferns or maidenhair ferns pair well in terms of humidity needs and visual texture.

Interesting Facts:

  • Named after its characteristic “prayer-like” leaf movements, which are a response to light changes.
  • Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where it thrives under the canopy of larger trees.

$13.65$76.25 inc. GST

In stock

SKU: Scharb-1-1-1 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 3 and 5 business days.

Outer Melbourne deliveries cost $132.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 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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