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Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ is a striking tropical houseplant known for its bold, golden-yellow variegation that contrasts beautifully with deep green foliage. As a member of the Marantaceae family, it shares traits with Calatheas and Stromanthes, making it an excellent choice for plant lovers who enjoy vibrant, patterned leaves. While Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it does have specific care needs to maintain its stunning foliage.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ thriving in your home!
Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light conditions, but its yellow variegation may fade if the light is too dim. Place it near a north- or east-facing window where it can receive gentle, filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure, as this can scorch the leaves and cause brown spots or crispy edges. If you notice leggy growth or less vibrant variegation, consider moving it to a brighter spot or supplementing with a grow light.
As a tropical plant, Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ prefers consistent moisture but dislikes soggy soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring that you use filtered, rainwater, or distilled water, as tap water containing chlorine or fluoride can cause leaf browning. Reduce watering in winter when the plant’s growth slows. If you see curling or drooping leaves, it may be thirsty, but yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering.
To keep Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ happy, plant it in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A mixture of potting soil, perlite, and coconut coir works well to retain moisture while preventing root rot. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Repotting every 1-2 years will refresh the soil and give the roots more space to grow.
Being a tropical plant, Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ thrives in warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts, so keep it away from air conditioners, heaters, and open windows during winter.
Humidity is crucial for this plant to maintain its lush foliage. It thrives in humidity levels of 50% or higher. If your home is dry, especially in winter, consider increasing humidity by:
Low humidity can cause crispy leaf edges, so be sure to keep the air moist around your plant.
To encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage, fertilize Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows down. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, causing leaf burn, so always follow dilution instructions.
Regular pruning helps keep Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ looking full and healthy. Trim any yellowing, damaged, or brown leaves to encourage new growth. Since its leaves naturally fold up at night (a trait common in the Prayer Plant family), keep an eye out for signs of stress like excessive leaf curling or drooping, which may indicate watering or humidity issues.
To keep its beautiful leaves clean and dust-free, wipe them down with a damp cloth every few weeks. This helps improve photosynthesis and keeps the plant looking vibrant.
Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ is best propagated through division. When repotting, carefully separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring that each section has a few stems and roots. Replant the divisions into fresh soil and keep them in a warm, humid environment until they establish new growth.
Ctenanthe ‘Golden Mosaic’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a pet-safe houseplant! However, it's always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of pets to prevent any accidental damage to the leaves.