Ctenanthe lubbersiana 'Golden Mosaic'

Ctenanthe lubbersiana 'Golden Mosaic' is an eye-catching cultivar from the Brazilian tropics, where it thrives in the shaded understory of rainforests. This member of the Marantaceae family is renowned for its striking yellow and green patterned foliage and its unique nyctinastic (prayer-like) leaf movement, folding up at night and spreading during the day.

Distinctive Features

• Foliage Pattern: Oblong leaves with painterly swirls and patches of golden-yellow variegation across a medium green background.
• Leaf Movement: Exhibits nyctinasty, where leaves shift position with the day-night cycle.
• Compact Form: Naturally forms low mounds, making it ideal for tabletops or groundcover in shaded tropical gardens.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; too much sun can fade variegation.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; sensitive to drying out.
• Humidity: Requires high humidity; mist frequently or use a pebble tray if indoors.
• Media: Use a rich, well-draining mix with added peat or coco fibre.
• Temperature: Best between 18–26°C; avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C.
• Fertiliser: Feed monthly with a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser during active growth.
• Repotting: Repot annually or when rootbound to refresh soil and promote healthy growth.