Ctenanthe 'lubbersiana'

Ctenanthe lubbersiana 🌿

Ctenanthe lubbersiana, also known as the Silver Band Prayer Plant, is a stunning tropical plant from the Marantaceae family. It is prized for its distinctive silvery-green foliage with darker stripes running down the center of each leaf, making it a beautiful addition to any indoor space. Like other plants in the Maranta family, this species has prayer-like leaves that move upward at night, hence the common name "prayer plant."

🌱 Care Instructions:

• Light: Ctenanthe lubbersiana thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some low light, but its growth may slow down, and the colors of the leaves may fade. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

• Watering: This plant prefers consistently moist soil, but it doesn't like to be waterlogged. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Be mindful of the water quality – if you have hard water, it may leave mineral deposits on the leaves, so it’s best to use filtered or distilled water when possible.

• Soil: Ctenanthe lubbersiana does well in a well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic soil. A potting mix formulated for houseplants, combined with some perlite or orchid bark for added drainage, works well.

• Temperature: This plant thrives in warm temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (16°C - 27°C). Avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as Ctenanthe lubbersiana is sensitive to cold and may suffer damage in cooler conditions.

• Humidity: Being a tropical plant, it prefers high humidity. It does best in environments with 50% or higher humidity. If your home is dry, you can increase humidity by placing the plant on a humidity tray, using a humidifier, or occasionally misting the leaves.

• Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Ctenanthe lubbersiana with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Reduce fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant's growth slows.

• Growth: This plant typically grows to about 12-18 inches in height and width. It can spread over time and forms dense clumps of striking, patterned leaves. Ctenanthe lubbersiana has a relatively slow growth rate, but with proper care, it can grow steadily.

• Pruning: Pruning is usually not necessary unless you want to maintain a specific shape or remove damaged leaves. If the plant becomes too leggy, trim back the stems to encourage bushier growth.

• Toxicity: Ctenanthe lubbersiana is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it safe for households with animals or children.

• Propagation: Ctenanthe lubbersiana can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting that includes at least one node (the point where the leaves attach to the stem) and place it in water or moist soil. The cutting should root in a few weeks. Alternatively, you can divide the plant when repotting to create new plants.

🌟 Fun Fact:

The unique movements of Ctenanthe lubbersiana’s leaves make it a fascinating plant to observe. The leaves fold up at night, resembling hands clasped in prayer, and open again in the morning, giving it the nickname "prayer plant."

🚚 Shipping & Damage Policy:

All live plant sales are final. Most orders ship Monday-Wednesday, depending on the destination. If your plant arrives damaged/broken, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery at orders@propandgrow.com with photos of the plant and packaging, and we will work on a replacement or refund.