Ctenanthe burle-marxii

Common Name:
Fishbone Prayer Plant

Description:
Ctenanthe burle-marxii, commonly known as the Fishbone Prayer Plant, is a visually captivating tropical foliage plant named for its unique leaf pattern that resembles the skeleton of a fish. Native to Brazil, it features low-growing, oval-shaped leaves with pale green backgrounds and striking dark green herringbone markings, complemented by a rich purple underside. As a member of the Marantaceae family, its leaves exhibit nyctinasty—the daily rhythm of opening and closing in response to light—giving it the nickname “prayer plant.” Perfectly suited to indoor life in Melbourne, it thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist but well-drained soil. It's a compact and non-invasive plant, making it ideal for pots, shaded patios, or mixed foliage displays. Though it may occasionally produce small, tubular white flowers, it's primarily admired for its ornamental foliage and elegant movement throughout the day.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

• Shrub - Small

• Indoor Foliage Plant

Mature Size:

• Height: 30–40 cm

• Width: 40–60 cm

Aspect:

• Part Shade

• Full Shade

• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer (occasionally indoors)

Flower Colour:

• White (small and inconspicuous)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Suitable for Indoors

• Perennial

• Non-toxic

• Air-purifying qualities

• Excellent for Humid Spaces

• Low Maintenance with Correct Conditions

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans

• Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Companion Plants:

• Calathea orbifolia

• Maranta leuconeura

• Fittonia albivenis

• Peperomia obtusifolia

• Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’