Learn how to keep Ctenanthe happy and healthy. This gorgeous plant is easy to grow indoors when you know what kind of lighting it needs and how to fertilize and water it.
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Today, we’re doing a care video on Ctenanthe, a beautiful plant you see here. The species is Ctenanthe, and the cultivar is known as Golden Mosaic. You might also see it listed as Ctenanthe Golden Mosaic. Although Calathea and Ctenanthe Golden Mosaic are two different species, they are often categorized together.
Ctenanthe comes in various color formations, including purples, greens, and lighter shades. This plant is fairly easy to find if you’re lucky, and it’s a striking addition to any indoor garden. It can grow to a good size and makes a lovely foundation plant for your interior garden.
In this video, we’ll discuss how to successfully grow and care for Ctenanthe, ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant.
Watering:
One of the most crucial aspects of care is watering. Ctenanthe does not like to dry out. If it does, you’ll see brown leaf tips and significant leaf loss. A severely droughted Ctenanthe can drop a lot of leaves, leading to a sparse appearance. To avoid this, ensure you do not underwater or overwater the plant, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Maintain a balance with watering. Ideally, keep the moisture level at a 4 on a moisture meter. Avoid letting it drop to 3 (dry zone) and prevent it from reaching 6, 7, or 8 (very moist). Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger about a half-inch deep. If the soil feels dry, itâs time to water. A lighter pot can also indicate the need for watering.
Lighting:
Proper lighting is essential for Ctenanthe. It prefers medium light, but too much bright light, such as direct sunlight from a western or unobstructed southern window, can cause leaf fading and yellowing. Conversely, insufficient light can result in darker green leaves and loss of variegation.
Eastern windows are ideal for Ctenanthe, providing gentle morning light. In winter, you may need to supplement with full-spectrum lighting if natural light is inadequate. Full-spectrum lighting simulates daylight and supports the plantâs needs.
Humidity:
Ctenanthe prefers moderate humidity. It originates from Brazil and requires more humidity than very dry environments provide. If you’re in a dry area, consider using a humidity tray or misting the plant occasionally. Grouping plants together can also create a microenvironment with higher humidity.
Signs of inadequate humidity include crispy leaves, leaf drop, and browning tips on juvenile leaves. During winter, when indoor air is drier, you might need to increase humidity.
Feeding:
Feed Ctenanthe once a month, except during December and January when itâs best to reduce feeding. Use organic fertilizer to avoid leaf tip burn from excessive nutrients. Follow the package directions, as more is not always better.
Repotting:
Repot Ctenanthe about every two years or more frequently if it outgrows its pot. A good ratio is two-thirds plant to one-third pot. If you replace soil without repotting, ensure you use rich, well-draining soil with peat moss or coir.
Flowering:
Ctenanthe may occasionally flower, producing small white or yellow flowers at the base of the leaves, usually in summer. After blooming, prune the flower stalk to avoid compromising the leaves.
Pruning:
Remove yellowing or dying leaves by cutting them back to the base of the plant. Regular cleaning can help maintain its appearance.
Pests:
Common pests include spider mites, which prefer dry conditions. Increase humidity and rinse the plantâs leaves to manage them. Mealybugs might also appear; regular rinsing can help keep them at bay.
Temperature:
Ctenanthe thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Keep the plant in a mild, warm environment for optimal growth.
That covers everything you need to know about growing Ctenanthe beautifully in your indoor garden.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Don’t forget to hit the bell icon if you’d like to be notified when we release new videos.
Ctenanthe: Your Questions Answered
How should I water my Ctenanthe?
Ctenanthe does not like to dry out. Ensure you maintain a balance with watering to avoid brown leaf tips and significant leaf loss. Ideally, keep the moisture level at a 4 on a moisture meter. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger about a half-inch deep. Water when the soil feels dry, and use a lighter pot as an indicator for watering.What kind of lighting does Ctenanthe need?
Ctenanthe prefers medium light. Avoid direct sunlight from western or unobstructed southern windows, which can cause leaf fading and yellowing. Eastern windows are ideal, providing gentle morning light. In winter, consider supplementing with full-spectrum lighting if natural light is insufficient.What humidity level is best for Ctenanthe?
Ctenanthe prefers moderate humidity. If you are in a dry area, use a humidity tray, mist the plant occasionally, or group plants together to create a microenvironment with higher humidity. Signs of inadequate humidity include crispy leaves, leaf drop, and browning tips on juvenile leaves.How often should I feed my Ctenanthe?
Feed Ctenanthe once a month, except during December and January when itâs best to reduce feeding. Use organic fertilizer and follow the package directions to avoid leaf tip burn from excessive nutrients.How often should I repot Ctenanthe?
Repot Ctenanthe about every two years or more frequently if it outgrows its pot. Use a ratio of two-thirds plant to one-third pot and ensure you use rich, well-draining soil with peat moss or coir.Does Ctenanthe flower?
Ctenanthe may occasionally produce small white or yellow flowers at the base of the leaves, usually in summer. After blooming, prune the flower stalk to avoid compromising the leaves.How do I prune Ctenanthe?
Remove yellowing or dying leaves by cutting them back to the base of the plant. Regular cleaning can help maintain its appearance.What pests should I watch out for with Ctenanthe?
Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs. Increase humidity and rinse the plantâs leaves to manage spider mites. Regular rinsing can also help keep mealybugs at bay.What temperature range is ideal for Ctenanthe?
Ctenanthe thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Keep the plant in a mild, warm environment for optimal growth.My Green Gourmet Houseplant Food: https://bit.ly/3wyyAo0
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