Ctenanthe lubbersiana (te-NANTH-ee lub-er-see-AH-nuh) is an evergreen perennial native to Brazil. It’s a fast-growing tropical plant cultivated for its attractive leaves.
While many people buy this plant as an ornamental piece, it is also suitable for cleaning the air inside your home. This foliage plant is perfect if you wish to have fresh air indoors.
Ctenanthe lubbersiana is synonymous with Stromanthe lubbersiana, but the former is the more recognized scientific name.
The plant is mainly grown as a houseplant but can be grown outdoors in tropical climates such as zones 11-12.
Like other prayer plant species, its long leaves also fold at night.
Here are the several common names of Ctenanthe Lubbersiana
- Bamburanta
- Never-Never Plant
Quick Facts Ctenanthe Lubbersiana
- Family: Marantaceae
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Temperature: 60° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate water
- Fertilizer: Feed regularly with liquid fertilizer
- Propagation: Division or cutting
- Common Problems: Spider mites, leaf curl, thrips
Ctenanthe Lubbersiana Care
What Does The Bamburanta Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Bamburanta plant is a fast-growing evergreen perennial with branching bamboo-like stems and long green leaves mottled with cream and gold.
The large colorful leaves are deep green on top and pale green underneath.
The plant is usually grown as a houseplant reaching up to three feet tall and four feet wide.
If grown outdoors, it’s seen as a fast-growing groundcover.
When Does The Bamburanta Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Bamburanta plant blooms in the summer, but suitable conditions are required to initiate flowering.
The temperature must be around 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit with adequate humidity. Because of the required conditions, the plants rarely bloom indoors.
The plant develops small white or yellow flowers outdoors in perfect temperatures. Although the blooms last for a few weeks, they rest beneath the foliage, remaining primarily unnoticed.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Bamburanta plant thrives in bright indirect light or dappled sunlight. However, it can tolerate some shade.
Inadequate light may cause loss of variegation in the leaves, and too much light can cause the leaves to fade.
It needs high humidity and prefers temperatures between 60° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 55° degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage to the plant’s leaves.
The Bamburanta plant can be planted outdoors in zones 11 to 12 but is best as a houseplant in all other zones.
If the air in your home is dry, it’s best to provide extra moisture by placing your plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Bamburanta Plant?
It’s best to water your plants frequently during the spring and summer, ensuring that the soil is consistently moist.
You can reduce watering in the winter, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between watering.
The plant does better with rainwater or soft water than tap water because the chlorine in tap water may damage the plant.
It’s a good idea to feed your Bamburanta plant twice a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer. You do not have to feed your plants in the fall or winter.
What Is The Best Soil For Ctenanthe Lubbersiana, And When Should You Transplant?
The Bamburanta plant does well in peat-based soil that is well-draining. The ideal ph level for your Bamburanta plant’s soil is from 6.1 to 7.5.
This pH range allows the plant to use the nutrients in the soil effectively. If you’re wondering if your soil has the correct pH, you can purchase a digital pH meter from your local nursery.
It’s a good idea to repot your Ctenanthe Lubbersiana every couple of years in the spring. Repotting it in a slightly larger pot will allow the plant to grow and thrive.
Does Ctenanthe Lubbersiana Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
While the Bamburanta plant doesn’t usually need pruning, it’s a good idea to remove any dead or unsightly leaves when they appear.
How To Propagate Your Never-Never Plant?
The Never-Never plant is easily propagated by division or by cuttings.
Ctenanthe plants propagate easily through cuttings. As the plant matures, a group of leaves is attached to a long stem. Remove the stem and place it in water or soil.
You will see the stem rooting if you place it in water, but you don’t have that same advantage with soil. However, both the soil and water are fine.
If you place the stem cutting in soil, you can gently tug on the stem after a couple of weeks to see if it has rooted. If there is any resistance, the stem is likely rooted.
If you had the cutting in water, move the stem to the soil once it has rooted.
Ensure that the newly rooted stems have plenty of water, bright and indirect light, and the proper humidity.
Ctenanthe Lubbersiana Pests and Diseases
Ctenanthe Lubbersiana is usually free of pests and diseases, but many issues may occur if the plant is overwatered.
Overwatering often leads to diseases such as:
- Root rot
- Leaf spot disease
- Botrytis
- Rust
- Powdery mildew
- Southern blight
Some of these can be treated by adjusting your watering schedule, but others may need special treatment.
Depending on the diagnosis, you may need to treat your plant with fungicides or bactericides.
In addition, common houseplant pests like spider mites and thrips may invade your plant, but treatment is usually simple.
You can spray your plants with water in hopes of removing them, but you may need neem oil or an insecticide if water doesn’t solve the problem.
Suggested Bamburanta Uses
There are various ways to use Ctenanthe Burle-Marxii in your landscaping design.
You can plant it as an ornamental piece in your bathroom or kitchen, creating a fresh tropical vibe.
Because of its fast-growing nature, many plants outdoors as ground cover in semi-shady spots under trees or along the sidewalks.
They can also add a splash of color to your garden or flower bed.
Wherever you keep it, your Bamburanta will last many years as long as it has the right growing conditions, including humidity, temperature, and water.