Ctenanthe setosa
never never plant
A vigorous, tender evergreen perennial about 2m tall, with lance-shaped mid-green leaves to 18cm long, the tips bent over, sometimes margined or striped white. Inconspicuous pale yellow flowers are produced at any time of year
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green Variegated | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Variegated | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green Variegated | ||
| Winter | Yellow | Green Variegated |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ctenanthe are bushy evergreen perennials grown for their usually strikingly patterned, lance-shape to obovate leaves; irregular and usually inconspicuous tubular white or yellow flowers are borne in short racemes intermittently throughout the year
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost (JI No.2) in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to summer. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel. Water to keep compost moist in winter, and keep draught-free at a constant temperature. Repot annually in spring or summer. See houseplant cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 19 to 24°C in spring as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.