The Never Never Plant brings a vibrant display to your home with its patterned green-and-silver leaves and their deep red undersides. This clever plant will move its leaves according to light level, so if it looks more closed up overnight, you know it's getting enough light in the daytime! The key with this plant is not letting it dry out, so make sure it's not in direct sun or near an operating heater, which would both dry it out far too much. Think of its rainforest undergrowth home when caring for it, where it is sheltered from the harsh rays of the sun whilst still benefitting from its warmth, and in a moist environment while still getting some airflow. Choose this plant to add a splash of colour and zany pattern to your home, and it will reward your care with its character and vibrancy.
Scientific Name Ctenanthe setosa 'Compact Star' (hairy, flower-bearing plant) Ctenanthe is pronounced 'ten-ANTH-ie', with a silent C at the start!
This species was identified as both a Maranta and a Stromanthe before its eventual classification as Ctenanthe in 1884, which is the currently accepted name.
Common Name Never Never Plant, Prayer Plant
Origin This plant is native to South America, mainly the Amazon basin. Light Direct sun can easily scorch this plant, so make sure it's in a bright spot but away from the sun's strong rays. Water Let the top few inches of soil dry out between waters; Ctenanthes like their soil to be moist but not soggy.
Humidity Ctenanthes love high humidity and will be grateful if you use a humidity tray. And don't keep them anywhere near an operating radiator!
Soil Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil to keep this thirsty plant happy. A mix with added coir and perlite, or one designed for Calatheas and Marantas, should keep your Ctenanthe happy too! Repot every couple of years in Spring.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Temperature Keep this plant happy with temperatures between is 15-27°C; they need to stay above 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips A common issue with Ctenanthes is crisping brown edges of leaves. This is usually caused wither by too much sun or not enough moisture. Check that your plant is not getting any direct sun, that the soil is not drying out beyond the top few inches, and if necessary introduce a humidity tray to keep the local moisture level in the air higher.
This month we have been busier than expected, which is obviously amazing. We have worked with some amazing businesses, including a very nice doughnut cafe thats opened on College Green that you need to check out. We have welcomed Jazz to the team, she's already settling in amazingly. And we look forward to the end of the year for that ever so special quarter that is very very important to retailers like us up and down the country.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.