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Never-Never Plant Ctenanthe lubbersiana

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Stromanthe lubbersiana
Phonetic Spelling
tee-NANTH-ee lub-er-see-AH-nuh
Description

Bamburanta is a warm climate, evergreen perennial with branching bamboo-like stems and oblong green, veined leaves that are mottled with cream and gold. It is grown as a houseplant and can reach 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Plant in a humusy well-drained soil and keep moist during the growing season. It needs high humidity and bright indirect light. It is intolerant of drafts and temperatures below 60 degrees F. Give it a weak liquid fertilizer in the spring and divide as needed.

Quick ID Hints:

  • Stems are above ground, branched
  • The leaf pattern is indistinct, a light marbling
  • Leaf underside is green

Problems: Watch for Mealy Bugs, Spider mites, and Aphids.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Brazilian Snow'
    White variegated leaves
'Brazilian Snow'
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#shrub#showy leaves#colorful leaves#interiorscape#fantz#humidity tolerant#partial shade tolerant#tropical feel#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Brazilian Snow'
    White variegated leaves
'Brazilian Snow'
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#shrub#showy leaves#colorful leaves#interiorscape#fantz#humidity tolerant#partial shade tolerant#tropical feel#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ctenanthe
    Species:
    lubbersiana
    Family:
    Marantaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Description:
    Small white to yellow flowers are insignificant and not usually seen in house plants.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cuneate
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Large colorful stunning leaves are alternate, simple, lanceolate, acute, cuneate, and entire. They are deep green and indistinctly marked with cream or yellow marbling above and pale green beneath
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Branched aerial shoots and rhizomatous.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container