Marantaceae
Fishbone Prayer Plant (Calathea burle-marxii)
Calathea burle-marxii
Thrives in bright, indirect light, consistently lightly moist soil, and high humidity (above 50%). Sensitive to fluoride and salts in tap water, which cause brown leaf tips.
Every 6 days
Bright indirect
16° - 27°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Fishbone Prayer Plant?
Fishbone Prayer Plant (Calathea burle-marxii) is a medium-care plant from the Marantaceae family. Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, the Fishbone Prayer Plant (Calathea burle-marxii, syn. Goeppertia burle-marxii) is a low, compact foliage plant in the Marantaceae family, prized for the silvery fishbone pattern on its gray-green leaves and their reddish undersides. Like other prayer plants...
Fishbone Prayer Plant grows up to 45cm, spread of 45cm, watering every 6 days, 16°C – 27°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Fishbone Prayer Plant is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 12 days.
How to Care for Fishbone Prayer Plant?
TLDR: Fishbone Prayer Plant needs Bright indirect, watering every 6 days, and temperatures between 16-27°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Fishbone Prayer Plant?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, using filtered, distilled or rainwater; never let it dry out completely or sit soggy.
How Much Light Does Fishbone Prayer Plant Need?
Place near a window with bright, filtered light; direct sun fades the leaf pattern and can scorch it.
What Is the Best Soil for Fishbone Prayer Plant?
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix of peat or coco coir, potting soil and perlite.
What Pot Should You Use for Fishbone Prayer Plant?
A ceramic or plastic pot with drainage holes, slightly wider than deep, to accommodate its rhizomatous growth.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Fishbone Prayer Plant and Where Does It Come From?
Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, the Fishbone Prayer Plant (Calathea burle-marxii, syn. Goeppertia burle-marxii) is a low, compact foliage plant in the Marantaceae family, prized for the silvery fishbone pattern on its gray-green leaves and their reddish undersides. Like other prayer plants, its leaves fold upward at night and open again during the day, following the light cycle.
How to Propagate Fishbone Prayer Plant?
Clump Division
Use sterilized tools to avoid contamination and keep humidity high until the divisions establish.
- 1 Remove the plant from its pot carefully, preserving as many roots as possible
- 2 Loosen the soil and locate clumps with rhizomes and 2-3 healthy stems
- 3 Separate the clumps with a clean, sharp knife
- 4 Plant each division in an individual pot with lightly moist soil
- 5 Cover with a perforated plastic bag for a few days to hold humidity
- 6 Keep in a warm, shaded spot until rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Fishbone Prayer Plant Grow?
TLDR: Fishbone Prayer Plant can reach up to 45cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
45cm
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Fishbone Prayer Plant?
TLDR: Fishbone Prayer Plant is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Meaning & Symbolism
As a prayer plant, it symbolizes rest, protection and the natural rhythm between day and night.
Fun Facts
The name fishbone comes from the silvery pattern resembling a fish spine across its gray-green leaves.
Like other prayer plants, its leaves move throughout the day, opening in the morning and folding up at night.
It is native to the humid tropical forests of Brazil.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fishbone Prayer Plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Why are the leaf tips on my plant turning brown?
How often should I water a Fishbone Prayer Plant?
How do I propagate this plant?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- How to Care for Burle Marxii Calathea (Fishbone) | easyplant
- Ctenanthe burle-marxii (Fishbone Prayer Plant) Complete Care
- Growing Ctenanthe Burle-Marxii: How To Care For Calathea Fishbone Plants
- 11 Common Problems With Calathea Plants
- Calathea Plants and Pet Safety: Toxicity Concerns for Cats and Dogs
