Those who acquire their first Cthenante Burle Marxii run the risk of becoming irremediable fanatics of this species. Whether it's because you've fallen in love with their firm, bold colors, because you find the fact that they move their leaves to greet or say goodbye to the day fascinating, or because they want a unique plant. Whatever the reason, this calathea variety is lovely and I assure you that you will want to have more than one. Welcome to the club! I assure you that your plant will be the center of attention if you follow this care guide for Cthenante Burle Marxii.
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Meet the Cthenante Burle Marxii
- She is also known by the names of the herringbone prayer plant, Marantha Fishbone and Calathea Burle Marx.
- The Cthenante is a cute marantacea, that is to say that it is the second cousin of the prayer flower and they have a great resemblance, especially to the naked eye, but if you look a little carefully you will notice the lighter pattern of the leaves in the shape of a fishbone, In addition, the leaves are more oval and longer.
- It has a compact growth, reaching a maximum height of 40cm but will continue to fill up with shoots and become leafy. You can separate these shoots and transplant them to reproduce.
- This plant takes its name from the famous Brazilian landscape painter named Roberto Burle Marx. Considered the father of modern landscaping and the ecological approach, he stood out for the use of ornamental plants native to his area, integrated into organic curves that merged with the natural environment, creating captivating landscape compositions that are references even today.
- If you want to create a dramatic effect in your home, you can group it with other plants in dark and purple tones, such as the tricolor maranta or the classic begonias. This will also be very beneficial, as it will increase humidity levels.
Caring for Burle Marxii
Lighting & Temperature
Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, these plants prefer to receive plenty of filtered light. The direct rays of the sun will only burn its precious leaves. If you can place it in a room where there is a window that is facing east, it would be great, because it could receive a lot of light without running into any danger. In terms of temperature, this plant adapts very well to a wide range but is sensitive to frost, so you should protect it during the winter if temperatures drop a lot in the area where you are. It will be safe as long as it has a temperature above 15°C and does not face sudden changes.
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Watering and humidity
This plant requires more or less continuous watering, but this does not mean that you should put a lot of water in it. Think frequency rather than quantity, because too much water could affect the roots. The trick I use with these types of plants to know when it's time to water is to dig a little into the substrate, with a stick or your fingers. Water when the first 2 cm of substrate is dry, but don't wait until everything is completely dry, because you'll kill your Cthenante with thirst.
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The sore spot with this plant is humidity. It requires humid environments, so you should use all the tricks up your sleeve: group it with some friends of the same or similar species, dishes of water with pebbles, spray it and others. If you can, take it to the bathroom with you when you shower because the steam from the hot water while you shower will do wonders for its leaves.
The
substrates of this type of plant must be loose, allow good air circulation and facilitate drainage to avoid root rot and with a pH of 6, a little more acidic than others. Some recommend mixing mulch, peat moss, and perlite. You can use universal substrate, mixed with a little perlite and/or washed sand to improve drainage.
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As should be done with almost all houseplants and foliage plants, you should fertilize between spring and autumn, avoiding winter. The frequency will depend on the type of fertilizer you use, as liquids require more frequency, but there are other slow-release fertilizers that must be replenished on a bi-monthly basis. Read the instructions. Some recommend using a fertilizer with a 3–1-2 balance, although any indicated for foliage or green plants will work.
You should be careful with mealybugs that these plants tend to love, but if you regularly clean their leaves to keep them dust-free and shiny, you're sure to ward off any potential pests. Wipe the leaves with a dry cloth, dampen a little if there are any stains and dry. You don't need to use polishes, as they can stain them.