Ctenanthe burle marxii Amagris – Never Never Plant

The Ctenanthe burle-marxii ‘Amagris’ is a stunning and popular houseplant known for its silvery-grey, oblong leaves with a delicate, dark green herringbone pattern. As a member of the Marantaceae family (Prayer Plants), it shares a similar care routine with its cousins, the Calathea and Maranta, and is known for its leaves folding upward at night.

Here is a comprehensive guide to caring for your Ctenanthe burle-marxii ‘Amagris’:

Light

• Bright, Indirect Light: This is the key to maintaining the vibrant color and pattern of the ‘Amagris’. Place it in a location with plenty of bright, filtered light. An east-facing window is often ideal, as it provides gentle morning light.
• Avoid Direct Sun: Direct sunlight will easily scorch the delicate leaves, causing them to fade, curl, and develop brown, crispy spots.
• Low Light: While it can tolerate lower light conditions, a lack of light can cause the plant to lose its vibrant coloration and become leggy.

Watering

• Keep Soil Consistently Moist: The ‘Amagris’ prefers to have its soil kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Check Before Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel slightly dry to the touch. It’s better to underwater slightly than to overwater, as it is more susceptible to root rot from soggy soil.
• Water Quality: This plant can be sensitive to the minerals and salts found in tap water. Using distilled, filtered, or rainwater can help prevent brown leaf tips and edges.
• Lukewarm Water: Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant’s sensitive roots.

Humidity

• High Humidity is a Must: As a tropical plant native to Brazil, high humidity is crucial for the ‘Amagris’ to thrive. Low humidity is a common cause of crispy, brown leaf tips and edges.
• Increase Humidity:
  • Humidifier: The most effective method is to use a humidifier near the plant.
  • Pebble Tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. This creates a humid microclimate around the plant. Ensure the bottom of the pot is not sitting in the water.
  • Grouping Plants: Grouping it with other plants also helps to raise the ambient humidity.
  • Misting: Misting can provide a temporary boost, but it’s not a long-term solution and may increase the risk of fungal issues.

Soil and Fertilizer

• Well-Draining Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. A good blend could include potting soil, perlite, and/or orchid bark to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.
• Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Dilute it to half strength and apply it every 2-4 weeks. Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows.

Other Care Tips

• Pruning: To keep the plant looking tidy, remove any yellow, brown, or dying leaves. You can cut the entire stem off at the base of the plant. This also encourages new growth.
• Pests: The ‘Amagris’, like other prayer plants, is prone to spider mites. Regularly check the undersides of the leaves for small webs or tiny insects. If you spot them, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Dormancy: It is normal for this plant to have a slower growth period in the winter. During this time, reduce watering and stop fertilizing.
• Toxicity: The Ctenanthe burle-marxii ‘Amagris’ is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a great choice for pet owners. However, it’s still best to prevent pets from chewing on plants to avoid any potential digestive upset.