Marantaceae
Ctenanthe setosa
Bring home a refined tropical statement: Ctenanthe setosa delivers sleek silver-green foliage with a dramatic purple reverse that instantly elevates any room. Compact enough for desks yet lush enough for living spaces, it thrives in indirect light with consistent moisture and humidity—ideal for modern apartments and stylish offices. Pet-friendly and undeniably eye-catching, it’s the perfect upgrade for your indoor jungle.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Not available
Botanical Name: Ctenanthe setosa
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Not available
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0258
Alternative Names:
كالاتيا
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Ctenanthe
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the Amazon region of northern Brazil. Widely cultivated as an ornamental houseplant in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Not available in the wild outside its native range.
4. Visual Characteristics
Leaves: Ovate to elliptical, striking silver-green variegation on the upper surface with prominent dark green veins; deep purple to burgundy reverse.
Stems: Erect, fleshy petioles that arch gracefully.
Flowers: Small, insignificant bracts hidden within foliage; rarely seen in cultivation.
Overall Form: Clumping habit with cascading foliage.
5. Size & Dimensions
Typical Height: 30–60 cm (12–24 in) indoors.
Typical Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in).
Growth Rate: Moderate, depending on light and humidity.
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Tolerates moderate shade. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves. Low light may reduce variegation.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water. Reduce frequency slightly in winter.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark for aeration. Preferred pH is slightly acidic (5.5–6.5). Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal Temperature: 18–27 °C (65–80 °F).
Minimum Temperature: 15 °C (59 °F); avoid exposure below this.
Humidity: High humidity (60–80%) preferred. Mist foliage or use a humidifier to prevent brown leaf edges.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Intermediate. Requires consistent moisture and humidity.
Maintenance: Wipe leaves periodically to remove dust. Rotate pot to ensure even growth. Trim any yellow or brown leaves as needed.
12. Growth & Propagation
Primary Method: Division of rhizomes during repotting in spring.
Secondary Methods: Stem cuttings in water or soil under high humidity; seed propagation is rare and slow.
13. Common Problems
Leaf Browning or Crispy Edges: Low humidity or underwatering.
Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot.
Pests: Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale; inspect regularly.
Disease: Root rot in waterlogged soil; leaf spot if air circulation is poor.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental: Adds dramatic foliage contrast to indoor spaces.
Air Purification: Helps filter common indoor pollutants.
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it safe for households with pets.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and domestic pets (cats and dogs). Safe for households, but avoid ingestion to prevent mild gastrointestinal upset.
Ctenanthe setosa
Bring home a refined tropical statement: Ctenanthe setosa delivers sleek silver-green foliage with a dramatic purple reverse that instantly elevates any room. Compact enough for desks yet lush enough for living spaces, it thrives in indirect light with consistent moisture and humidity—ideal for modern apartments and stylish offices. Pet-friendly and undeniably eye-catching, it’s the perfect upgrade for your indoor jungle.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Not available
Botanical Name: Ctenanthe setosa
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Not available
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0258
Alternative Names:
كالاتيا
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Ctenanthe
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the Amazon region of northern Brazil. Widely cultivated as an ornamental houseplant in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Not available in the wild outside its native range.
4. Visual Characteristics
Leaves: Ovate to elliptical, striking silver-green variegation on the upper surface with prominent dark green veins; deep purple to burgundy reverse.
Stems: Erect, fleshy petioles that arch gracefully.
Flowers: Small, insignificant bracts hidden within foliage; rarely seen in cultivation.
Overall Form: Clumping habit with cascading foliage.
5. Size & Dimensions
Typical Height: 30–60 cm (12–24 in) indoors.
Typical Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in).
Growth Rate: Moderate, depending on light and humidity.
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Tolerates moderate shade. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves. Low light may reduce variegation.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water. Reduce frequency slightly in winter.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark for aeration. Preferred pH is slightly acidic (5.5–6.5). Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal Temperature: 18–27 °C (65–80 °F).
Minimum Temperature: 15 °C (59 °F); avoid exposure below this.
Humidity: High humidity (60–80%) preferred. Mist foliage or use a humidifier to prevent brown leaf edges.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in winter.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Intermediate. Requires consistent moisture and humidity.
Maintenance: Wipe leaves periodically to remove dust. Rotate pot to ensure even growth. Trim any yellow or brown leaves as needed.
12. Growth & Propagation
Primary Method: Division of rhizomes during repotting in spring.
Secondary Methods: Stem cuttings in water or soil under high humidity; seed propagation is rare and slow.
13. Common Problems
Leaf Browning or Crispy Edges: Low humidity or underwatering.
Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot.
Pests: Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale; inspect regularly.
Disease: Root rot in waterlogged soil; leaf spot if air circulation is poor.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental: Adds dramatic foliage contrast to indoor spaces.
Air Purification: Helps filter common indoor pollutants.
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it safe for households with pets.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and domestic pets (cats and dogs). Safe for households, but avoid ingestion to prevent mild gastrointestinal upset.