Ctenanthe	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates Water requirement         High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description Ctenanthes are in the 'Maranta' family, closely related to the Calatheas. They are an eye-catching herbaceous perennial from tropical America, prized for their variously colored and patterned foliage. Ctenanthes are rhizomatous with leaves borne on long stems and short stalked leaves on flower bearing spikes. The leaf colouring is generally variegated. The inflorescence is raceme or spikes with overlapping bracts. The flowers have 3 sepals and 3 petals to form a short funnel. Ctenanthes hate direct sunlight, temperatures below 15ºC (60ºF), cold or hard water and feeding after repotting. The 15 species are native to Costa Rica and Brazil.
Growing Not all that easy to grow in non-tropical areas. Suited to a terrarium-type environment due to their high humidity requirements. Temperature: Average warmth. Prone to suffer with exposure to draughts or sudden fluctuations in temperature. Minimum temperatures of 15ºC (60ºF) during the winter. Light: Partial shade during the summer. The colors will fade in too brightly lit an area. Never expose to direct sunlight. During the winter months, move to a well-lit but sunless spot if grown in a movable container. Water: Keep moist at all times, but reduce water in winter. Use soft, tepid water. Humidity: Mist leaves frequently (once a week) and/or surround with damp peat. Repotting: Every two years in spring. Established plants only if pot bound. Propagation: Plants may be divided at repotting time. Keep new plants especially warm and moist until established.   SPECIAL PROBLEMS: Browning and drying leaf tips, falling leaves or stunted growth is caused by lack of humidity. Remove dead growth and mist leaves frequently. Check for spider mites, and if found, treat with systemic insecticide immediately. Curled and spotted leaves and yellowing lower leaves are both caused by lack of water. Keep soil moist at all times. Unlike most other houseplants, Ctenanthes should never be allowed to dry between waterings during the growing season. Limp and rotting stems are caused by air that is too cold, or soil that is too wet during their winter resting period. (These plants do not actually require a particular period of rest. There is only a certain growth deceleration in winter). Discolored or scorched leaves are caused by too much light, especially direct sunlight. Move the plant to a different spot or provide shade.   More on environmental care under 'Indoor plants' in the 'Pests' section. (For a quick look click here, your sidebar menu will stay the same)