Ctenanthe Setosa Grey Star
Best statement plant for indoor gardeners who enjoy interactive, rhythmic foliage.
Discover the Ctenanthe Setosa 'Grey Star', a captivating houseplant from the Marantaceae family. Known for its unique 'sleeping' habit, its leaves gracefully fold upwards at night, revealing stunning deep purple undersides. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers high humidity, making it an ideal addition to humid indoor spaces. It can grow up to three feet tall and wide, offering dynamic texture and color. While it requires moderate care, its visual transformation and striking appearance make it a rewarding choice for any plant enthusiast.
$43.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9304
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-18%
Below average
Mature Height
3
/ feet
Who it's for
- Apartment dwellers with limited access to bright, direct sunlight
- Interior decorators seeking high-contrast, artistic botanical accents
- Pet owners needing safe, non-toxic greenery for their homes
Who should skip it
- Beginners intimidated by the need for frequent pest monitoring
- Busy plant parents unable to maintain consistent humidity levels
- Casual gardeners preferring the convenience of standard tap water
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Stunning purple undersides and dramatic leaf movement create a living centerpiece.
Care Difficulty
Demanding humidity and water quality requirements challenge even experienced indoor gardeners.
Growth Potential
Reaches an impressive three-foot stature, filling vertical space with lush foliage.
Environmental Sensitivity
Strict needs for consistent moisture and humidity limit placement options significantly.
Pet Compatibility
Toxic properties make this plant unsuitable for households with curious pets.
Interactive Appeal
Dynamic circadian movement offers a rewarding, rhythmic connection to your plant.
Key Specs
Mature Height
3 feet
Mature Spread
3 feet
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect Light
Humidity Requirements
High (above 55%)
Temperature Range
60°F to 80°F
USDA Hardiness Zone
9, 10, 11, 12 (or indoor only)
Soil Type
Well-draining indoor potting mix with coir and perlite
Watering Requirements
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use filtered/bottled water.
Features
- Unique leaf movement at night
- Striking deep purple leaf undersides
- Grows up to 3 feet tall and wide
- Requires high humidity
- Responds to circadian rhythms
- Part of the Marantaceae family
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ctenanthe Setosa Grey Star for its striking visual appeal, highlighting the unique silver and green foliage as a standout design element. The primary theme emerging from reviews is the exceptional quality of the plant upon arrival. Consumers frequently note the meticulous packaging, ensuring the plant remains healthy and undamaged during transit. This robust shipping process instills high confidence in the Lively Root brand. While some mention the plant requires specific humidity care, the initial health and stunning aesthetic overwhelmingly drive positive feedback, confirming its status as a beautiful and worthwhile addition to any indoor collection.
Know before you buy
This plant exhibits a natural phenomenon called nyctinasty, where its leaves move in response to circadian rhythms. They fold upward at night to conserve moisture and protect the leaf surface, revealing their vibrant purple undersides.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep it in a location that your cats or dogs cannot access.
To keep humidity above 55%, consider placing the plant in a bathroom, using a humidifier nearby, or grouping it with other tropical plants. You can also place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to increase the ambient moisture around the foliage.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but ensure it is never waterlogged. It is best to use filtered or distilled water, as this plant can be sensitive to the minerals and chemicals often found in tap water.
While it can tolerate lower light, it thrives best in bright, indirect light. In very dim conditions, the plant may lose its vibrant variegation and growth will slow significantly.
Under optimal conditions, the Ctenanthe Setosa can reach a mature height and spread of up to three feet. Be sure to provide enough space for its upright, bushy growth habit as it matures.
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$43