Low, spreading clumps of pale leaves brushed with dark green fishbone bars and burgundy undersides. A lush, pet-safe groundcover-style foliage plant for shaded rooms.
At a glance
- Plant type: Indoor plant
- Mature size: 40 cm tall
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Fishbone Prayer Plant
Botanically, Ctenanthe burle-marxii is a moderate-growing indoor plant in the Marantaceae family. It reaches around 40 cm tall at maturity, with evergreen, variegated and purple-toned foliage.
Where to grow Fishbone Prayer Plant
Fishbone Prayer Plant suits tropical and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Fishbone Prayer Plant provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Fishbone Prayer Plant prefers consistently moist soil. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Fishbone Prayer Plant in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Fishbone Prayer Plant in the garden
Fishbone Prayer Plant earns its place for pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Fishbone Prayer Plant with plants that share its preference for consistently moist soil and tropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Fishbone Prayer Plant
Plant Sale lists Fishbone Prayer Plant as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
