Bamburanta

The botanical name might be a bit of a mouthful, but the ctenanthe lubbersiana is the perfect plant to add to your collection. This stunning houseplant is a member of the prayer plant family. Its long, oval leaves are striped with yellow and gold variegation, and with its strong stems it can grow up to 2 metres tall. Originally from Brazil, the ctenanthe enjoys tropical conditions like medium light and high humidity.

Keep a close eye on your plant’s delicate leaves, they’ll let you know if something isn’t quite right. Brown leaf tips or crispy edges are a sign your plant needs more humidity or hasn’t had enough to drink, so give yours a good spritz every few days and check the soil regularly. If you spot any burn-like marks on your ctenanthe’s leaves, it’s possibly a little bit sunburnt. Trim off any affected leaves and move your plant out of direct sunlight. Keep leaves clean by gently wiping them with a damp cloth. This will help your plant absorb the light it needs to grow.

Ctenanthe are largely very low maintenance. Their one request is that you distil tap water before giving them a drink. Just fill your watering can and leave it to stand overnight; any impurities will evaporate away and your plant will thank you for it.

Did you know?

Like other prayer plants, ctenanthe fold up their leaves at night.