




🐾 Non-toxic • 🌿 Silvery foliage with purple undersides • 🌤️ Partial shade / Indirect light • 💧 Moderate watering • 📏 H60 cm | Pot Ø17 cm
Ctenanthe setosa, also known as the fishbone prayer plant, stands apart from the oppenheimiana variety with its lighter foliage — silvery green on top and purplish underneath — and luminous highlights that catch filtered light. Like all Ctenanthes, it belongs to the Marantaceae family and slightly folds its leaves at night. Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, it brings a soothing tropical atmosphere to any interior. Pair it with Ctenanthe and Calatheas and Marantas.
Non-toxic to animals and children, it is an excellent choice for homes with cats or dogs. Its water and humidity needs are similar to those of plants in a tropical atmosphere.
Light & placement
Ctenanthe setosa prefers the soft, filtered light of tropical undergrowth — direct sun quickly burns its delicate leaves and dulls their silvery highlights.
- Light: partial shade to indirect light — an east- or north-facing window is ideal.
- Ideal for: living room, office, bright reading corner.
- Temperature: 18 to 26 °C, away from drafts and sudden changes.
- Substrate: light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.
Watering & care
- Watering: moderate — keep the substrate slightly moist without excess. Use limescale-free water at room temperature — limescale leaves deposits on silvery leaves. Its ideal placement depends on the balance between light and humidity.
- Frequency: 1 to 2 times per week in summer, reduce in winter.
- Humidity: enjoys a humid atmosphere — mist regularly or place the pot on a tray of damp clay pebbles.
- Fertilizer: every 3 to 4 weeks in spring and summer, using diluted houseplant fertilizer.
- Care: clean the leaves with clear water to preserve their silvery shine.
Decor ideas & plant pairings
Its luminous silvery highlights make it an ideal accent plant in a composition of dark foliage — the contrast is immediate and highly effective.
- Within the Marantaceae family: pair it with a Maranta Leuconeura and a Calathea Warscewiczii with velvety dark green foliage — the silvery highlights of Ctenanthe setosa contrast strongly with the Warscewiczii's dark velvet.
- Vs Ctenanthe oppenheimiana: place both varieties side by side — the light silvery setosa and the dark green striped oppenheimiana create a cohesive pairing within the same genus, with two visually opposing characters.
- Decorative pot: beige ceramic, light stoneware, or a natural fiber basket pairs perfectly with the silvery tones of the foliage.
Verdeia tips
- Limescale-free water is essential: white spots on silvery leaves are almost always caused by limescale in tap water — use filtered water or water that has been left in an open container for 24 hours.
- Prioritize ambient humidity: Ctenanthe setosa suffers more from insufficient humidity than from insufficient watering — a tray of damp clay pebbles beneath the pot is the simplest and most effective solution.
- Watch the leaves at night: if the leaves rise and fold correctly every evening, this is a sign that your plant is perfectly healthy and in the right conditions.
Technical details
- Botanical name: Ctenanthe setosa
- Common name: fishbone prayer plant
- Origin: Brazil
- Pot diameter: Ø17 cm
- Approximate height: H60 cm
- Mature size: up to 80 cm indoors
- Light: partial shade / indirect light
- Watering: moderate
- Care: moderate
- Non-toxic to animals and children
- Decorative style: Urban jungle / Bohemian / Natural
Each plant is unique: the photos show an example of its appearance. The density and silvery shades of the foliage naturally vary according to light levels and the season.
Your plant, delivered with care
Every plant is hand-packed in a box specially designed for plants — secured, protected, ready to travel. It arrives in perfect condition, roots intact and foliage preserved, ready to take its place in your home.
Our Verdeia commitments
FAQ – Everything to know before adopting your Verdeia plant
How are my plants prepared before shipping?
All our plants are selected from our European partner nurseries. Before shipping, they are watered, cleaned, and protected with breathable, secure packaging. Each package is designed to ensure your plant arrives in perfect health, without any transport-related stress.
Will the plant look exactly like the photo?
The photos accurately represent the variety and the stated size. Since each plant is unique, slight differences in shape, foliage, or color may occur — and that’s part of their charm.
What are the delivery times and conditions?
Orders ship within 48 working hours, with tracked delivery in 2 to 5 working days via DPD. Shipping costs and the free-shipping threshold depend on your country — see our delivery page. You receive a tracking link as soon as your parcel leaves.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
Open your package as soon as you receive it and carefully remove the plant from its packaging. Let it acclimate for 24 hours in its new environment before watering. If it has been slightly stressed during transport, it will recover its shape after one or two days in the light.
What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?
Contact us within 48 hours with a photo of the issue. Our team will assess the situation and offer you the best solution: replacement, partial refund, or recovery advice.
Can I return a plant?
Since plants are living beings, standard returns are not possible. However, we guarantee good health upon delivery: if the plant arrives damaged, it will be replaced free of charge. For any other cases (order error, decorative pot, accessory), returns are possible within 14 days.

