Marantaceae
Never Never Plant: How to Care for Ctenanthe lubbersiana
Ctenanthe lubbersiana
Give it bright indirect light, keep the soil lightly moist and the humidity above 50%. Avoid direct sun, cold drafts and hard water. Feed monthly in spring and summer.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 29°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Never Never Plant?
Never Never Plant (Ctenanthe lubbersiana) is a medium-care plant from the Marantaceae family. The never never plant (Ctenanthe lubbersiana) is an evergreen perennial in the prayer plant family (Marantaceae), native to the humid forests of southern and southeastern Brazil, from Minas Gerais to Santa Catarina. It forms clumps of slender upright stems carrying lance-shaped green leaves irregula...
Never Never Plant grows up to 90cm, spread of 100cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 29°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Never Never Plant is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Never Never Plant?
TLDR: Never Never Plant needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-29°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Never Never Plant?
Water when the top inch of soil is dry, roughly once a week. Use filtered, rain or rested water at room temperature; chlorine and hard water burn the leaf tips.
How Much Light Does Never Never Plant Need?
Medium to bright indirect light, such as near an east or north window. Direct sun scorches the leaves and fades the variegation.
What Is the Best Soil for Never Never Plant?
A rich, well-draining mix such as potting soil with coco coir and perlite. It should hold moisture without staying soggy.
What Pot Should You Use for Never Never Plant?
A plastic or glazed ceramic pot with drainage holes, which holds moisture better than terracotta.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Never Never Plant and Where Does It Come From?
The never never plant (Ctenanthe lubbersiana) is an evergreen perennial in the prayer plant family (Marantaceae), native to the humid forests of southern and southeastern Brazil, from Minas Gerais to Santa Catarina. It forms clumps of slender upright stems carrying lance-shaped green leaves irregularly marbled with creamy yellow. Like its Maranta and Calathea relatives, it folds its leaves upward at night. In a pot it usually stays between 60 and 90 cm.
How to Propagate Never Never Plant?
Clump division
Divide in spring when repotting and don't let the roots dry out.
- 1 Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball.
- 2 Separate clumps that have their own roots and at least 2 or 3 leaves.
- 3 Pot each division in fresh, moist potting mix.
- 4 Keep in indirect light and high humidity until new leaves appear.
Materials needed:
Stem cutting
Cover with a clear plastic bag to keep humidity high while it roots.
- 1 Cut a stem with 2 or 3 leaves just below a node.
- 2 Place it in water or moist potting mix.
- 3 Keep it warm, in indirect light and high humidity.
- 4 Pot it up once the roots are a few centimetres long.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Never Never Plant Grow?
TLDR: Never Never Plant can reach up to 90cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
1.0m
Growth rate
Medium
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 Never Never Plant?
TLDR: Never Never Plant is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
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.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny cigar-shaped insects (1/25-inch long) that damage plants by sucking plant juices and scraping at fruits, flowers, and leaves. With over 6,000 species and rapid reproduction (lifecycle as short as 14 days), they can quickly infest plants and transmit viruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Associated with rest and renewal, because its leaves fold up at night and open again in the morning.
Fun Facts
It is native to Brazil, from Minas Gerais to Santa Catarina.
The name Ctenanthe comes from the Greek kteis (comb) and anthos (flower), after its comb-like bracts.
The cultivar Golden Mosaic is one of the most widely sold houseplant forms.
Frequently asked questions
Is the never never plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Why are my never never plant's leaf tips turning brown?
Can the never never plant take direct sun?
Why do the leaves fold up at night?
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 | ⚠️ |
