The Fishbone Prayer Plant, Ctenanthe burle-marxii, is a popular houseplant prized for its ornamental foliage. This species, often called the Never Never Plant, belongs to the Marantaceae family, which includes Maranta and Calathea. Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, it thrives as an understory plant. Its appeal comes from its striking, pale green, oval leaves featuring a darker green, alternating pattern resembling a fish’s skeleton. Like its relatives, the plant exhibits nyctinasty, where the leaves fold upward at dusk, earning it the common “prayer plant” designation.
Essential Environmental Requirements
The successful cultivation of a Fishbone Prayer Plant requires replicating its humid, shaded, and warm native environment. The plant requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant leaf pattern and support healthy growth. Direct sun exposure must be avoided, as intense light will quickly scorch the foliage and cause the coloration to fade. Conversely, insufficient light can cause new growth to appear solid green, resulting in a loss of the characteristic variegation.
Temperature control is important, as this tropical species performs best between 65°F and 85°F. The plant is sensitive to cold, and temperatures falling below 60°F can cause damage, particularly when combined with cold drafts. Maintaining high ambient humidity, ideally above 50 to 60%, is necessary for leaf health.
Dry air is the primary cause of crispy, brown leaf edges and tips. To boost local humidity, a pebble tray filled with water placed beneath the pot can create a localized humid microclimate, ensuring the pot bottom does not sit in the water. Using a room humidifier is another effective method, especially during dry winter months when indoor heating lowers moisture levels.
Ongoing Maintenance Practices
Successful care relies on consistent maintenance practices, especially concerning water quality and application. The Fishbone Prayer Plant requires the soil to remain consistently moist but never waterlogged, which mimics the environment of the rainforest floor. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, ensuring that any excess water drains completely from the pot’s base to prevent root rot.
This plant is sensitive to the mineral salts and chemicals, such as chlorine and fluoride, often found in standard tap water. Using distilled water, filtered water, or rainwater helps prevent the buildup of these elements, which frequently manifest as brown, necrotic tips on the leaves. If using tap water is necessary, allowing it to sit out for at least 24 hours can help some of the chlorine dissipate.
During the active growing period from spring through summer, the plant benefits from regular applications of a liquid fertilizer to support its vigorous foliage production. A balanced houseplant fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio, should be applied every four weeks. It is beneficial to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent nutrient burn.
As growth slows in the fall and winter, fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely during this dormant phase. Routine maintenance also includes removing any yellowed or dead leaves at the base to redirect the plant’s energy toward new growth. Periodically wiping the leaves with a soft, damp cloth is also recommended, as this removes dust that can block light absorption and hinder photosynthesis.
Propagation and Repotting
Repotting and propagation are important for the plant’s long-term health. Repotting is generally necessary every one to two years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots circling the pot or emerging from the drainage holes. When repotting, select a container that is only one size larger than the current one to prevent excess soil from holding too much moisture.
The ideal potting medium should be well-draining yet moisture-retentive. A quality peat-based mix or a blend of standard potting soil, perlite, and pine bark are excellent choices. The most effective method for multiplying the Fishbone Prayer Plant is through division, which is best done during the repotting process in spring or early summer.
To divide the plant, gently remove it from its pot and separate the root ball into individual clumps. Ensure each new section has its own roots and at least a few leaves. A clean, sharp knife can be used to cut through the root mass if it is too dense. Each division can then be potted into its own container with fresh soil, watered thoroughly, and placed in the same bright, indirect light conditions as the mother plant.
Diagnosing and Resolving Common Issues
Troubleshooting issues with the Fishbone Prayer Plant often involves reviewing the environmental setup, as symptoms frequently point back to light, water, or humidity problems. Yellowing leaves are a common sign of overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to root rot if the soil remains soggy for extended periods. If overwatering is ruled out, yellowing may indicate a need for fertilization, particularly if the plant has not been fed recently.
If the leaves are curling inward during the day, this usually indicates severe under-watering or that the plant is reacting to cold temperatures or a draft. If the leaves remain flat instead of folding upward at night, it suggests the plant is not receiving adequate light throughout the day.
The plant can attract common houseplant pests, primarily spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and can be managed by increasing humidity and applying an insecticidal soap or neem oil to the undersides of the leaves. Manual removal with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol is an effective solution for small mealybug infestations.