Splashes of gold scattered across every leaf like sunlight through a canopy. Ctenanthe pilosa 'Golden Mosaic' produces upright, lance-shaped leaves patterned in irregular patches and streaks of bright golden-yellow and dark green. The variegation is unpredictable, so every leaf carries a slightly different balance of colour. Like its Maranta and Calathea relatives, it folds its leaves gently upward in the evening and opens them flat again at dawn. It stays compact and bushy, forming a dense clump that works well on a tabletop or grouped with other prayer plant varieties.
Origins
Ctenanthe pilosa is native to the tropical forests of Brazil, where it grows on the forest floor in warm, humid, shaded conditions. 'Golden Mosaic' is a cultivar selected for its bright yellow variegation.
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Set me near a bright window, out of direct sun and water me little and often so I stay evenly moist.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic is a houseplant that takes a little effort. It needs bright indirect light, watering often enough to keep the compost evenly moist, a little extra humidity and a minimum temperature of 16°C. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.Read moreShow less
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.
Humidity
Average homeHigh humidity
Prefers a little extra humidity
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.Read moreShow less
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Variegation is one of the things that makes each plant truly one of a kind, and it's also one of the hardest things to guarantee. Every variegated plant is unique, and the amount, pattern, and intensity of variegation will vary from plant to plant, leaf to leaf, and even season to season.
The photos on our site are representative of the variety and we do our best to pick out the most representative plant of the bunch, but your plant may have more or less variegation than what's pictured. That's not a fault, it's the nature of how variegation works. It's influenced by light, genetics, and growing conditions, and it will continue to change as your plant grows in your home.
A few things worth knowing: bright, indirect light tends to encourage stronger variegation. Too little light and your plant may push out more green leaves to compensate. Too much direct sun and you risk scorching the paler sections, which have less chlorophyll to protect them. Finding the right balance for your space is part of the journey.
Is this plant safe for my pets?
Yes. This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it's a good choice for homes with pets. Even so, plants aren't food, so a keen chewer could still get an upset stomach. If you're worried, speak to your vet.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
Ctenanthe are tropical foliage plants with striking patterned leaves. This guide covers everything you need to grow them well in a UK home, from watering and humidity to common problems.
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
This Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic is a fast-growing, vibrant houseplant with beautiful variegation. Customers praised its healthy condition, excellent packaging, and rapid growth with new leaves unfurling quickly. One noted it "gone from 1 growth point to 3" in 5 months. A few plants had minor crispy stems. Overall, an attractive, easy-growing addition.
Gone from 1 growth point to 3 growth points with constant growth and such lovely leaves.
The variegation is really vibrant and makes for an excellent centerpiece.
I've only had it for like 2 weeks and it unfurled several leaves already!
5 stars: 23 (79%)
4 stars: 5 (17%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 1 (3%)
V
VF
Super pretty & fast growing!!!
Wow I've only had it for like 2 weeks and it unfurled several leaves already!! What a lovely healthy plant :two_hearts::two_hearts:
K
Kirsty B.
Beautiful
Absolutely love it, he's grown already lol
F
Fiona C.
Gorgeous fast grower
This has fast become a favourite of mine. Beautiful variegation, has grown so fast and after less than 5 months has gone from 1 growth point to 3 growth points with constant growth and such lovely leaves. (See arrival and now pics)
C
Colin C.
Vibrant
The variegation is really vibrant and makes for an excellent centerpiece something to liven up your space.
J
Jessica L.
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Received the 6cm plant . Perfect condition - healthy and growing well under a grow light i
S
Sandra P.
Beautiful
Lovely, healthy plant. Good size would happily recommend.
K
Katrina M.
Superb plants
I ordered six plants and were delighted with them. They were well packed, a good size and very healthy. I was very impressed with the care advice on the website and communications from the company. Will definitely order again
A
Aneta K.
Beautiful plant. Arrived safely with
Beautiful plant. Arrived safely with not a single grain out of place.
Y
Y
Lovely plant arrive i. Good time and in excellent condition, as expected well packaged
Y
Y.B.
Lovely plant arrive i. Good time and in excellent condition, as expected well packaged
M
Ms M.
Perfect
Perfect plant
O
Olivia H.
Adorable
This is the most beautiful plant, delivered in great condition and a real joy to own . Very pleased.
C
Caitlin R.
Love it
Came fast, healthy and undamaged
M
Marcin B.
Fresh
Amazing
B
Bettye R.
Beautiful plant in pristine condition
Once again House of Kojo has come up trumps!
C
Carol P.
Zesty pilosa
Such a vibrant colour ,beautiful foliage ,so healthy and bright x
P
Paula W.
Absolutely gawjus healthy plants nice
Absolutely gawjus healthy plants nice an hydrating. Wrapped very carefully. Will definitely be ordering more from this company.
L
Laura S.
Brilliant
Plant came well packaged. In great condition. It's growing nice and healthy
T
Tricia S.
Pretty
This arrived well packaged as normal, it’s really pretty with the variegated leaves. I’ve not potted on yet as it’s quite happy in its pot for the moment. Great plant, great price, and great service.
A
Antoinette M.
This is one of my
This is one of my favorite plants - I have several now. The plants I buy from Grow Tropicals are always in good condition and are a much-needed addition to my collection.
D
Deborah P.
I’d been after one of
I’d been after one of these for a while and she did not disappoint! Lovely variegation and a new leaf on the way already.
M
MISS C.
Really cute little plant. Is
Really cute little plant. Is in good condition and it starting to push out some new growth
C
Craig H.
Happy
Happy
N
Naomi C.
Gemstone Gold
I love this plant, the shades of gold and green mix, makes this plant very vibrant and attractive. Thank you.
E
Ellie
Love this plant
E
Ellie
Love this plant
j
justyna s.
Stay away from this company
Stay away from this company
L
Lily
Beautiful plant, it had some dead crispy stems but I got rid of those and it looks great now! Excited to see this one grow:heart_eyes:
L
L.W.
Beautiful plant, it had some dead crispy stems but I got rid of those and it looks great now! Excited to see this one grow😍
