Ctenanthe ‘Compactstar’

European cultivation and protection history

‘Compactstar’ has been grown in Europe since the 1990s. The European application number was 1995/1789, and legal protection was granted on 1 September 1997.

It has appeared under several Ctenanthe species names in the plant trade, while the name ‘Compactstar’ has remained consistent.

Space, moisture and growing conditions for ‘Compactstar’

• Space: Leave some room around the pot so the long leaves can fan outward and air can move gently through the dense centre.
• Water: Check the mix regularly and water once the surface has started to dry. Water the whole root ball thoroughly and empty any water collected in a saucer or cover pot.
• Light: Bright indirect light supports clear silver and green patterning. Soft morning or evening sun can suit a plant that has gradually adjusted to it.
• Humidity: Steady moderate-to-high humidity is especially useful while new leaves are unrolling. A bright bathroom or kitchen can work well, especially where the air stays naturally humid.
• Temperature: A warm room with steady temperatures suits new leaf and shoot growth.
• Potting mix: Use an airy mix that still holds some moisture, with fine bark, coir or peat and perlite or pumice. Use a pot with good drainage so the roots stay evenly moist and well aerated.
• Feeding: Use a small amount of balanced fertiliser while fresh shoots appear. Increase the gap between feeds as growth slows.
• Repotting: Move up a pot size when roots and shoots crowd the container or water stops moving evenly through the mix. Large rooted clumps can be divided during repotting.

When ‘Compactstar’ leaves show damage

• New leaves opening with tight creases: Dry potting mix or very dry air can interrupt leaf expansion. Water the mix thoroughly and evenly, and keep humidity steady around the next leaves as they open.
• Dry brown edges: Inconsistent watering, dry air or minerals in hard water are common causes. Check watering, humidity and water quality together. Keep watering and humidity steady, and use rainwater or filtered water if salt deposits appear with the damage.
• Washed-out or tan areas: Recent direct sun can bleach exposed tissue. Move the plant into filtered light and increase its time in direct sun gradually.
• Soft yellowing growth near the crown: Excess moisture around the roots can cause soft yellowing near the crown and may lead to decay. Check whether the centre of the root ball is staying very wet. Trim decayed roots back to firm tissue with a clean disinfected tool, discard affected material and repot in fresh airy mix.
• Tiny pale speckles, webbing or pale cottony deposits: These signs often point to spider mites or mealybugs. Inspect the purple leaf backs, leaf stalks and tightly packed centre. Isolate the plant from the rest of the collection, then treat with a product labelled for the confirmed pest. Use the repeat interval printed on the label.

If several possible causes fit, discuss the pattern with Foliage Factory support.

Ctenanthe ‘Compactstar’ 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.

The meaning and history of Ctenanthe

Ctenanthe combines Greek kteis, meaning comb, with anthos, meaning flower.

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