Ctenanthe 'Grey Star'

Ctenanthe 'Grey Star'

Plant Description

Ctenanthe 'Grey Star' is a stunning tropical plant known for its large, elongated, silvery-grey leaves with dark green veins on top and rich purple undersides. It belongs to the Marantaceae (Prayer Plant) family and is admired for its striking foliage and rhythmic leaf movement, where the leaves fold up at night and open again in the morning. This plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and is often grown as a houseplant or in shaded garden beds.

Native Range

Native to the rainforests of Brazil, where Ctenanthe grows in the understory of dense, humid forests.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Zones: 9–11 (Can be grown indoors in all zones)

Size

Height: 3–5 feet tall
Width: 2–3 feet wide

Light Requirements

Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but growth may slow. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Soil Requirements

Well-draining, rich, organic soil with good moisture retention. A mix of peat, perlite, and pine bark is ideal. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).

Watering Needs

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use filtered or distilled water to prevent leaf browning from minerals in tap water.

Humidity & Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid cold drafts and temperature drops below 55°F (13°C).
Requires high humidity (60%+). Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or mist regularly to maintain moisture levels.

Fertilization

Feed with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Reduce feeding in winter.

Propagation

Propagated through division of rhizomes in spring or early summer. Carefully separate sections with roots and replant in fresh soil.

Uses

Indoor Houseplant: Popular for its striking foliage and air-purifying qualities.

Shaded Outdoor Gardens: Can be used in tropical gardens as ground cover or border plants.

Terrariums & Greenhouses: Thrives in humid environments with stable temperatures.

Container Planting: Grows well in pots for patios, balconies, or indoor displays.

Pest & Disease Management

Watch for spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered—ensure proper drainage.
Browning leaf edges may indicate low humidity or exposure to chemicals in tap water.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.