Ctenanthe Lubbersiana 'Brazilian Snow Plant'

Hailing from Brazil, the Ctenanthe Lubbersiana (formerly classified as the Stromanthe Lubbersiana) is sold under many common names yet is most widely known as the 'Brazilian Snow' or 'Never-Never' Plant. It's boldly colored green leaves are mottled with cream and yellow-to-gold variegation. The leaves are oblong in shape with pale green undersides. Lubbersiana prefers bright indirect light and high humidity for best growth.

Ed's Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Ctenanthe Lubbersiana (formerly Stromanthe Lubbersiana)
• Phonetic Spelling: tee-NANTH-ee lub-er-see-AH-nuh
• Common Name: Brazilin Snow Plant, Never-Never Plant, Giant Bamburanta
  
• Family: Marantaceae 
• Native Range: Brazil

Ed's Care Guide

• Care: Moderate 
• Light: Bright indirect light for several hours each day.
• Water: Water thoroughly and evenly. Maintain moist soil and allow to partially -- yet not completely -- dry out between watering.
• Humidity: High. Brown tips and leaf curling may occur without sufficient humidity. In the cold NYC winters, place this plant near a humidifier or on a pebble tray -- grouped together with your other tropical plants.
• Temperature: Maintain temperatures above 60F and avoid cold drafts. This plant is sensitive to drops in temperature.
• Pruning: Prune as needed to remove brown or dead leaves and control growth.
• Feeding: Fertilize monthly in the spring and summer using a diluted plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Fertilize every other month if showing active growth in the fall and winter.
• Propagation: Root division, Stem cuttings  
• Pests: Pests are not common. Look out for spider mites, thrips, mealy bugs and fungus gnats.
• Toxicity: Ctenanthe are listed as non-toxic to humans and pets yet in some cases, individual allergic reactions have been reported. As with all house plants, we recommend keeping them out of reach of children and pets.