Stromanthe is a bushy evergreen perennial native to Brazil that grows up to 20 inches tall and likes warm, sheltered, shady locations. It is a popular houseplant in many parts of the world. They have attractive variegated foliage and seldom flower. This species is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae). The name Ctenanthe is derived from the Greek word ktenos , which means "comb," and anthera meaning "anther." The species name, amabilis , is Latin in derivation and means "lovable." The Stromanthe prefers partial shade or filtered light, constant warm temperature, and high humidity. They are tolerant of loam, clay, sand, and chalky soils and all pH levels. The plant needs to be in a draft-free environment. No pruning is required. It is recommended that the plant be fertilized monthly during its growth cycle. The plant should be repotted annually, preferably in late spring to early summer. It may take 5 to 10 years for the plant to reach its ultimate height of 20 inches, The plant is propagated by division and stem cuttings. The oblong leaves have a striking pattern of dark green with stripes of gray and grayish-green and fold up during the night.. The pattern is said to resemble a wheat tuft. The plant has rather inconspicuous clusters of tubular white flowers which can occur throughout the year. The plant is desired for its ornamental foliage and is best used as a houseplant in the US. The plant is very frost-tender. Consider growing the plant under glass to maintain constant temperature and humidity. Quick ID Leaves are oblong and flattened at the apex (truncate) The underside of the leaf is purple The pattern is dark on grayish-green and resembles wheat Every other dark band extends into the margin Diseases, Pest, and Other Problems: This plant is typically disease and pest-free, but mealybugs, red spider mites, and gray mold can occur. Intolerant: direct sunlight, cold drafts, constant dry air
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 8 in. | Width: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 8 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green; Purple/Lavender
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Rosulate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Oblong
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf value
Showy
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are crowded, in basal rosettes, oblong-elliptic, apex truncate with short sharp acumen, base rotund. They are entire, upper side silver-gray with alternating short and long bands of dark green in the direction of the veins; the long dark green bands extend into the margin. The underside is purple; petiole long, sheathing.
Flower color
White
Flower form
Raceme
Flower shape
Funnel; Tubular
Flower detail
The inflorescence is a raceme with leathery bracts subtending stalked, bracteolate cymules. Flowers are white, small, fleshy. This plant seldom has flowers.
Stem detail
Stems are short and rhizomatous.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Brazil
Distribution
Native: Brazil; Introduced: Costa Rica; Popular houseplant in many parts of the world.