Ctenanthe oppenheimiana

From Bahia to its current botanical name

Ctenanthe oppenheimiana is native to Bahia in eastern Brazil. Wild plants grow in seasonally dry tropical habitats.

It was first described in 1875 as Calathea oppenheimiana and transferred to Ctenanthe oppenheimiana in 1902. It has been grown indoors for its foliage for many years.

Indoor care for a tall Ctenanthe oppenheimiana

• Position: Give the clump enough space for the long leaves to open freely. Bright indirect light from a large window supports an upright habit and clear patterning.
• Watering: Water as the surface of the mix starts to dry. Soak the whole root ball and let excess water drain. Keep moisture fairly even while fresh shoots are growing.
• Humidity: Steady humidity helps the broad leaves stay flexible and open smoothly. Gentle airflow through the clump keeps the dense centre airy.
• Temperature: Keep the plant warm with steady room temperatures as the clump grows.
• Potting mix: Use a fertile, airy houseplant mix with coir or peat, bark and perlite or pumice. Choose a stable pot as the clump gets taller.
• Water quality: Rainwater or filtered water works well in areas with very hard tap water.
• Feeding: Feed lightly while new shoots and leaves are growing, then feed less often as growth slows.
• Repotting and propagation: Repot when roots and shoots from the base pack the pot or the old mix has become compacted. Mature clumps can be divided into rooted sections.

First checks for Ctenanthe oppenheimiana problems

• Large leaves drooping: A dry root ball is a common cause. Water the pot thoroughly and let it drain. Resume watering when the surface begins to dry, and soak the whole root ball each time.
• Brown edges or tips: Dry air, hard-water salts and repeated moisture swings can all affect the long leaf margins. Improve humidity, stabilise watering and change water source when mineral deposits are present.
• Faded pale bands with dry tan areas: Strong direct sun can mark exposed leaves. Move the plant into bright filtered light and let new growth develop under gentler light.
• Yellowing lower growth with soft, wet roots: Soft, wet roots with yellowing lower growth point to root decay. Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Remove decayed brown or mushy tissue with a clean disinfected blade back to firm healthy tissue, discard the damaged material and repot into fresh airy mix.
• Fine pale speckles, webbing or cottony deposits: Mites or mealybugs are likely when pale speckles, webbing or cottony deposits appear. Inspect the broad leaf undersides and bases of the leaf stalks. Isolate the plant, clean the affected leaf stalks and leaf backs, then apply a product labelled for the pest. Follow the repeat interval given on the treatment label.

If several causes seem possible, Foliage Factory support is a useful next step.

Ctenanthe oppenheimiana is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

What does the name Ctenanthe oppenheimiana mean?

Ctenanthe combines Greek kteis, meaning comb, with anthos, meaning flower. Oppenheimiana honours Baron Édouard Oppenheim, president of the general committee for the International Horticultural Exhibition in Cologne.

August Wilhelm Eichler established the genus Ctenanthe in 1884 in Abhandlungen der Königlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, volume 1884, page 81.

Charles Jacques Édouard Morren first described it as Calathea oppenheimiana in 1875 in Annales de Botanique et d’Horticulture, volume 25, page 271. Karl Moritz Schumann later placed it in Ctenanthe as Ctenanthe oppenheimiana in 1902 in Das Pflanzenreich, IV, 48, page 153.