Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe sanguinea) Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems and Solutions

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Stromanthe sanguinea, Stromanthe triostar

Botanical name: Stromanthe sanguinea
Family: Marantaceae
Common name: Stromanthe triostar, Triostar Stromanthe, Tricolor Prayer Plant

Description

Stromanthe sanguinea also called Stromanthe triostar is a herbaceous perennial plant that is grown indoors for its strikingly beautiful foliage and is a pleasant addition in any houseplant collection.

The large beautifully patterned leaves are a sight to behold and will add a splash of color in any space.

Origin

Stromanthe sanguinea is native to the tropical regions of the Americas from Mexico to Trinidad to northern Argentina.

Toxicity

Stromanthe sanguinea (Stromanthe triostar) is non-toxic to both humans and pets. They are safe to grow indoors.

Size

Stromanthe triostar is a slow growing plant which grows to a height of about 6 ft and a diameter of about the same size.

Related Plants

Stromanthe triostar is closely related to the Calathea, Maranta and Ctenanthe.

These groups of plants are sometimes commonly called Prayer Plants in reference to their curious characteristic of closing their leaves at night.

Where to Buy

Are you looking to add this plant to your collection? Buy the striking Stromanthe sanguinea online from Etsy.

Stromanthe sanguinea Care Indoors

Stromanthe triostar (Stromanthe sanguinea) prospers in bright, indirect light, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Stromanthe sanguinea requires regular pruning to keep it neat and tidy as well as rejuvenate growth. Repotting is only necessary when it becomes pot-bound as it grows best when slightly root-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light requirements

Stromanthe triostar grows best in bright, indirect light. Too little light will result in loss of the beautiful variegation.

Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can lead to sunburn on leaves and washed out leaves.

Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent leggy growth.

Triostar Stromanthe will also grow under a grow light where natural light is inadequate.

Watering

Water Stromanthe triostar thoroughly and allow the top 1-2 in. soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moist at all times during the growing season.

Decrease watering in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time to maintain the soil slightly but do not let the soil dry out completely.

Being a tropical plant, water the Triostar Stromanthe with water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking the plant which can result in reduced growth.

This plant is sensitive to chemicals dissolved in water, therefore, water with water that is free of chlorine and flourides.

Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.

Avoid wetting the foliage during watering or water from the bottom instead to prevent fungal infestation.

Temperature and Humidity

Stromanthe triostar prefers average warmth with a minimum of 13⁰C. Keep it away from cold draughts and sudden changes in temperature.

Stromanthe triostar requires high humidity inorder to thrive. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

You can also grow Triostar Stromanthe in a terrarium as a high humidity can be maintained in a terrarium.

Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to keep them clean and neat as well as discourage pests infestations.

Fertilizer

Feed Stromanthe triostar with a balanced, liquid fertilizer once monthly through out the growing season for lush growth.

Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.

Potting Soil

The best potting soil for Stromanthe triostar should be rich in organic matter and free-draining like this Calathea potting mix available on Etsy.

Repotting

Repot Stromanthe triostar the beginning of the growing season only when it has become root-bound. Use a pot 1 size larger than the current one.

Stromanthe does not like to sit in soggy soil, therefore, ensure the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole as soggy soil can lead to root-rot.

The large Stromanthe plants can be divided at the time of repotting and the splits used to propagate new plants.

Pruning

Pruning Stromanthe triostar is easy as it involves removal of dead and yellow foliage to maintain the plant neat and attractive.

Cut back the stems at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth.

Propagation

Stromanthe sanguinea propagation can be done at the beginning of the growing season by plant division.

How to propagate Stromanthe triostar by plant division

Water the Stromanthe triostar thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment. A well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.

Take the Stromanthe triostar out of its pot and divide it into several sections. Ensure each section has some roots inorder to hasten rooting.

Pot the sections into individual pots in moist, free-draining soil. Ensure the pots have a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

Cover the pots with clear polythene to create a greenhouse effect and maintain warm humid conditions which hasten establishment of the plants.

Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place until new growth has emerged in the sections.

Gradually remove the polythene cover over a period of two weeks to acclimatize the new plants.

Then move the set up to a cool, shaded place and maintain the soil moist until the new Stromanthe sanguinea are well established after which routine care can begin.

Stromanthe sanguinea Problems

Stromanthe sanguinea problems include brown leaf tips and edges, rotting, discolored leaves, stunted growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Pests

Common pests in Stromanthe triostar are mealy bugs, aphids, scale insects and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other houseplants and treat it with Neem oil to get rid of the pests.

Diseases

Stromanthe triostar is prone to leaf spot disease due to the humid conditions that it prefers. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the disease.

Brown leaf tips and edges

Stromanthe triostar brown leaf tips and edges is due to too dry air (low humidity) as it is very sensitive to low air humidity.

To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.

Stromanthe triostar can also be grown in a terrarium where high humidity can be maintained easily.

Limp and rotting stems

Stromanthe triostar limp and rotting stems are due to too cold air and or too wet soil. At this point, the plant may be too far gone to be saved.

To prevent limp and rotting stems in Stromanthe triostar, maintain an average warmth with a minimum of 13⁰C. Protect your plant from cold draughts and sudden changes in temperature.

Also, avoid soggy soil by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining.

Discolored or scorched leaves

Stromanthe triostar discolored or scorched leaves are due to exposure to direct sunlight on your plant. Move the plant to a shaded spot or protect it from direct sunlight to prevent eventual death.

Curled, spotted leaves and lower leaves yellowing

Stromanthe triostar curled, spotted leaves and lower leaves yellowing are due to underwatering.

Water the Triostar Stromanthe thoroughly and keep the soil moist at all times during the growing season. Do not let the soil dry out between waterings but reduce watering during the cold season.

Brown, dry leaf tips and stunted growth

Stromanthe triostar brown and dry leaf tips accompanied by stunted growth are an indication of spider mites infestation due to the air being too dry.

Remove the dead growth and set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home.