Question
plant
Hi I was given this plant from a lady..but she has no idea what the name of it is...I don't think it's in the best of health and I need to get some more information on it to help it do better...could yoy help me...
AnswerHi Becky,
I found your question in our question pool and thought I might be able to help.
The plant is a Ctenanthe 'Burle Marx'. It belongs to the Maranta family (Prayer Plants are the most commonly known members of the Maranta family) and is considered by some to be a type of Calathea (although it really isn't).
You are right, the plant in the picture is NOT in the best of health but it might not yet be a lost cause.
Marantas needs high humidity and are medium to low light plants. Most Marantas do very well under artificial plant lighting. This time of year the plant would probably do best in a curtain filtered east facing window or you can set it in a northern facing window. Be sure that the place you set the plant is warm with no drafts.
You can raise the humidity around the plant by placing it on a tray of pebbles about half filled with water. I have used those round drainage saucers that you can buy at any store. Just make sure the one you get is big enough that it goes out as far as the leaves do. I have found that regular misting can help a lot.
The soil should be kept moist but NOT soggy.
Here is a link to a Maranta care guide I wrote. It contains some useful information on taking care of Marantas;
http://reviews.ebay.com/Maranta-Prayer-Plants-Care-Tips_W0QQugidZ100000000042256...
If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy
