Fishbone Prayer Plant Plant Care

Fishbone Prayer Plant (Ctenanthe burle-marxii) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Ctenanthe genus. Fishbone Prayer Plant is native to Brazil. Fishbone Prayer Plant is also known as Burle-Marx's Ctenanthe.

Fishbone Prayer Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Fishbone Prayer Plant produces small, insignificant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fishbone Prayer Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fishbone Prayer Plant thrives in bright indirect to medium light. Avoid placing Fishbone Prayer Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ctenanthe burle-marxii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Fishbone Prayer Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite and sand. Good drainage is essential for Fishbone Prayer Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fishbone Prayer Plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to medium light and well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite and sand. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fishbone Prayer Plant is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fishbone Prayer Plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Fishbone Prayer Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Fishbone Prayer Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fishbone Prayer Plant can be propagated through division, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ctenanthe lubbersiana plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Fishbone Prayer Plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Fishbone Prayer Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Fishbone Prayer Plant is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Fishbone Prayer Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.