Last Updated on October 19, 2021 by Grow with Bovees
The Stromanthe Triostar (Common Name) plant is native to the jungles of Brazil and is truly a showstopper of note, with its vivid pastel stripes, and leaves with pink undersides that are on full display when the leaves naturally fold up at night.
Also known as Stromanthe Sanguinea (botanical name), Stromanthe Thalia, Magenta Triostar, Tricolor Stromanthe or Triostar Stromanthe is a plant that belongs to the Prayer Plant family, and features eye-catching pointed leaves that are dappled with pale green, cream, and pink colors.
The Stromanthe Triostar is not to be confused with Ctenanthe oppenheimiana, which looks similar but has some differing traits.
It is however, more tolerant to cooler temperatures, so could be an alternative for those living in colder climates.
It is also known as the Giant Bamburanta or Never Never plant, but it is significantly less common than the Triostar Stromanthe.
But I digress! Let’s get back to the houseplant beauty in hand…
Is Stromanthe Triostar (Sanguinea) an Easy Houseplant to Care For?
I’m not going to sugarcoat this, but Stromanthe triostar isn’t a beginner’s plant, because it requires a fair bit of attention with regard to plant care, it may not be suitable for new plant parents.
Adding to this, Stromanthe triostar plants can throw nasty tantrums when they don’t get their way, and without proper treatment, the beautiful variegation can turn sickly yellow and brown with crisp edges quickly.
However, if you happen to live in a humid state such as Florida or in a South American rainforest a Stromanthe Triostar then you might find it a little easier than those who don’t.
The hardiness zones recommended by USDA are zones 10 to 12, they certainly prefer not to be in a dry environment.
Stromanthe Triostar usually grow up to two to three feet wide and high, but a bit smaller as indoor plants, where they don’t typically flower as houseplants.
However, with the following plant care tips, you should be able to achieve stunning foliage on your plant.
How Much Light Should I Provide for My Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Sanguinea)?
Stromanthe Tristar enjoys medium to bright, indirect light, but the brighter the indirect light the plant receives, the more variegation you will notice on its leaves.
You should never expose your Triostar Stromanthe plant to direct sun, as doing so may scorch the leaves, which might result in permanent damage to the plant. To stop this if you see it starting, you will need to reduce sun exposure.
A spot close to an east-facing or north-facing window would be the preferred choice. A little morning sun exposure is fine, but no more than that.
The Stromanthe plant can live in areas that receive low sunlight, but as referred to above, the variegation will be less pronounced and there will be little to no chance of it producing flowers.
Due to its light sensitivity, it’s good practical care to rotate the position of your Stromanthe Triostar plant once a week for even growth, as the leaves tend to grow towards the bright light source over time.
What is the Best Temperature for Prayer Plant Family Plants?
Stromanthe Triostar (relative of the Prayer Plant Family) plants thrive in temperatures between 65 degrees F and 80 degrees F, and in locations with high humidity conditions.
Take note that the temperature of an area of your home affects both the humidity in the air and the moisture content of the potting mix, so it’s important to keep tabs on both.
If there is not enough humidity, then your plant could become susceptible to aphids and an infestation of spider mites. However, this can be controlled to a great degree by the use of neem oil spray.
Keep a Humid Environment
Humidity is especially affected by air conditioning, which sucks moisture from the air, especially if it is re-circulating.
You should especially monitor temperatures during the winter season because this is the time when reduced watering and supplementary misting are generally required.
It is certainly not a good idea to place Stromanthe Triostar plants near an air conditioner or areas that receive cold drafts of air.
What is the Best Soil Content for Stromanthe Triostar?
Your Stromanthe Triostar will thrive if you keep the growing medium moist, and in a soil type that offers great drainage, but retains moisture without becoming too soggy.
Getting the right indoor potting mix for Stromanthe Triostar plants isn’t a complex task. Using a good quality houseplant peat based potting soil with an adequate amount of perlite to make it ‘fluffy’ is ideal.
You can also use an organic growing medium, as long as it drains well.
The rhizomes of Stromanthe Triostar plants do well in a shallow bowl or planter, but you may need a deeper planter if you have a large, full size plant, in order to keep it consistently moist.
Whatever planting medium you decide to use for your Stromanthe Triostar, you should ensure that the pot has a few drainage holes.
What is the Best Fertilizer for Stromanthe Triostar Plants?
The best fertilizer for a Stromanthe Triostar should be a houseplant fertilizer that is well-balanced and water-soluble. Whichever type of fertilizer you apply, be careful not to overdo it.
The right time to add fertilizer to your Stromanthe Triostar plants is during the growing season in the early spring and summer.
You may, however, want to provide a little extra boost just before the plant enters its growth period.
Another good time to add fertilizer is when you’re repotting because this process presents real stress on the plant, so it’s another time when it could do with a boost.
How to Water Stromanthe Sanguinea Triostar Houseplants?
Triostar Stromanthe plants like to grow in a slightly moist growing medium, definitely not in soil that’s either arid or waterlogged.
You need to aim to keep the soil at root level, moist at all times, but not soggy.
A good method is to drench the soil until the water flows through the drainage hole (or holes) in the pot’s base, then let the top one inch of soil dry out before watering again.
We mentioned earlier that Stromanthe Triostar plants have less watering needs in the winter than in the summer.
It is therefore advisable to check the soil more often around the time of changes in season, and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.
In terms of the type of water, you can use; filtered water, distilled water, or rainwater for your Triostar Stromanthe, but steer clear of using it directly from the tap as it contains chemicals that can build up in the growing medium, and cause root rot which will affect the plant’s foliage growth and possibly kill it.
It’s also recommended that the water you use (for any plant actually!) be at room temperature before use.
How to Propagate Stromanthe Triostar Plants?
Unlike many species in the same family such as Marantas and Calatheas, Triostar Stromanthe plants can’t be propagated by simply placing the stem cuttings in water.
However, they can be propagated by division.
To increase your chances of success, it’s best to propagate your Triostar Stromanthe plants in the spring or summer using the method below.
Things you will need to propagate Triostar Stromanthe:
- A healthy mother plant
- Fresh potting soil
- A clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or gardening scissors
- Appropriate size pots for your new divisions to grow in
Propagation is best if undertaken before the growing season has started.
The first step is to remove the mother plant from its existing pot and loosen the soil and roots gently with your fingers.
Next, carefully spread the rhizomes apart to separate them into a few clumps. When separating the rhizomes, make sure that each one has a minimum of two or three healthy leaves.
You can remove any connected roots with a pair of shears or even a sharp knife. Now, you will have to prepare the pots by loading them with fresh well draining soil before putting the new divisions in them.
After you plant your divisions in their new homes, replant the mother plant in a pot with fresh moist potting soil.
Water the new plants regularly to keep them moist, and place them in a warm area.
A sure sign to let you know the roots of your new Triostar Stromanthe plants have become established is when new leaves appear.
Are Triostar Stromanthe (Prayer Plants) Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Triostar stromanthe plants aren’t toxic to cats or dogs, so it won’t make your furry friends sick if they happen to bite or chew on them.
Reasons Why the Leaves on Your Stromanthe Triostar are Turning Brown?
There are several reasons why the leaves of your Triostar Stromanthe plants may develop brown leaf edges, the most notable of which is if you use tap water.
Tap water contains chlorine, salts, minerals, and fluoride — all of which can buildup in the soil, and cause the leaves of your Triostar Stromanthe plant to burn, turn brown and/or curl up.
A great way to avoid having to use water directly from the tap for your Triostar Stromanthe plants (and for your own health!) is to install a filtration system.
If you don’t have the budget available to install a filtration system just yet, you can use tap water that’s left out in an open container or tub overnight as the chlorine, at least, will evaporate.
Triostar Stromanthe are tropical plants, therefore they are happiest in tropical conditions which include a humid atmosphere and warm temperatures, so you should mist your Stromanthe Triostar leaves regularly, and use open vessels of water close-by to increase the humidity around the plants.
As previously mentioned, the growing medium should be consistently moist and browning of its leaves can be a sign of lack of moisture/underwatering.
Final Thoughts on Stromanthe Triostar Care
Triostar Stromanthe is an incredibly beautiful houseplant but does require some consistent and conscientious plant care on your part in order for it to thrive.
Key Care Points are;
- Place your Triostar Stromanthe plant in an area that gets bright, indirect light
- Apply the right fertilizer at the right time
- Keep the soil moist by giving it a good drenching and then wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before watering again.
We hope that the tips and advice above will enable you to get the maximum enjoyment out of your Triostar Stromanthe.
Happy House Planting!
Lizzy and The Bovees Team
