These evergreen perennials are grown primarily for the beauty of their colourful leaves. Ctenanthes like bright indirect light. If there is insufficient light, new leaves appear solid green rather than patterned with attractive colours. If there is too much light, the colours in the leaves fade. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Ctenanthes do not like to dry out, and do not like cold or hard water. Fertilize monthly in the spring and summer using the plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Fertilize every other month in the fall and winter. Never feed a Ctenanthe immediately after repotting; wait for at least 6 weeks. Use a good all-purpose potting mix that drains well but still retains moisture. Repot once a year or every other year depending upon how quickly the plant is growing. A Ctenanthe rarely needs pruning, just remove any dead growth
