Ctenanthe setosa 'Grey Star'
Never Never Plant 'Grey Star'
Ctenanthe are grown for their attractive, often variegated foliage. They are frost tender plants, requiring a minimum temperature of 13°C. The three species which make good houseplants are C. lubbersiana, C. oppenheimiana, and C. burle-marxii. Ctenanthe is not an easy care plant and can be quite frustrating for a novice grower. These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. 'Grey Star' has large silvery green leaves with green veins and deep purple/red undersides. It makes an excellent as an indoor plant or for underplanting in a Tropical garden. Needs protection from winds, and soil moisture needs to be maintained - the leaves will fold in when under stress, and may suffer leaf burn.
Contributed by @AissaFlowers
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Partial shade
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Occasional watering
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Not Frost hardy
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Moist and free draining
Common name
Never Never Plant 'Grey Star'
Latin name
Ctenanthe setosa 'Grey Star'
type
evergreen perennial
family
Marantaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
Ctenanthe setosa 'Grey Star'
Ctenanthe are grown for their attractive, often variegated foliage. They are frost tender plants, requiring a minimum temperature of 13°C. The three species which make good houseplants are C. lubbersiana, C. oppenheimiana, and C. burle-marxii. Ctenanthe is not an easy care plant and can be quite frustrating for a novice grower. These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. 'Grey Star' has large silvery green leaves with green veins and deep purple/red undersides. It makes an excellent as an indoor plant or for underplanting in a Tropical garden. Needs protection from winds, and soil moisture needs to be maintained - the leaves will fold in when under stress, and may suffer leaf burn.
Planting as a houseplant
From Early Spring TO Early Spring
Use a good all purpose potting mix that drains well but still retains moisture. Place in bright indirect light. If there is insufficient light, new leaves appear solid green rather than patterned with attractive colors. If there is too much light, the colors in the leaves fade. They like warm consistent temperatures and will not tolerate temperatures below 13C. It is very important for these plants to keep the humidity high. To achieve this, place your Ctenanthe on a pebble tray filled with water. Be sure the plant is sitting on the pebbles and not in the water.
Propagation
From Early Spring TO Late Summer
Ctenanthe are easily propagated using the offsets that develop into bushy clumps. When planting offsets, it is important to use the same type of soil as was in the original plant. Stem cuttings may also be used. Keep the new plants warm and the soil moist until established.