Chris Buckland
The Stromanthe Triostar is a member of the Prayer plant family, which is known to have vibrant shades of pink alongside white and green on its leaves. This plant can be grown in hot and humid climates; however, you can also grow an amazing colorful Triostar in your house with proper attention and nurturing, though it is a bit high-maintenance. Also, Stromanthe Triostar care is necessary.
Just like the other members of its family, Triostar folds its leaves up at night, which makes it commonly confused with similar plant Calathea.
Characteristics of Stromanthe Triostar Plant
Origin | Amazon Jungle in South America |
Botanical Name | Stromanthe Sanguinea |
Common Names | Stromanthe Triostar, Magenta Triostar, Tricolor plant, Calathea Triostar, Stromanthe thalia |
Type | Tropical Perennial |
Soil Type | Light, Well-draining |
Soil pH | Generally between 6.0-8.0 |
Maintenance | High Maintenance |
Light | Part Sun |
Temperature | 65 to 80⁰ F |
Height | 2-3 ft. |
Hardiness zone | 10-12 (USDA) |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
How to Care for Your Stromanthe Triostar Plant
If you plan on having this as a house plant, here are a few things that you should take care of:
Sunlight:
Stromanthe Triostar, just like other indoor plants, grows best under indirect light. So make sure to place it where there’s spotty sunlight. Never expose your Stromanthe Triostar to direct sunlight for an extended period, as it may burn the leaves. For better growth, rotate your plant once a week so that all its leaves can get even indirect light. Also, you should know How Much Light Does Your Plant Needs? as excess light may harm your plant.
Water:
The main reason why this is a high-maintenance plant is its water requirements. They are crucial in keeping your plant healthy; even the slightest deviation from the right amount of water can cause your plant to wilt. The soil needs to be constantly moist for the plant to thrive; however, you should water it only when the top inch of the soil has dried. Since transpiration is relatively less in winters, the plant can be left a little drier than usual.
The type of water given to this plant is also essential. Tap water is not the perfect choice as the chemicals in the water can cause the plant to lose its lively colors. It can be given spring water, but distilled water serves as the perfect water source for this plant.
The leaf color of this plant can be an indicator that the plant is having any water issues. If they are brown, the plant needs to be repotted, and if they are yellow, then the pot is waterlogged and should be properly drained before the plant is watered again.
Fertilizer:
The Stromanthe Triostar thrives in a diluted and well-balanced fertilizer mixture, although organic fertilizers are also pretty good for the plant. If the plant is given a solution that is not well balanced, there is a greater chance that the plant might suffer from root rot. Since the plant goes dormant in the winter season, there is no need to spray the fertilizer solution during that time.
Temperature:
Since the Stromanthe Triostar is a tropical plant, it requires a warm environment to grow properly. The preferred temperature range for this plant is between 65-to-80-degree Fahrenheit, which is perfect for your plant’s growth.
Humidity:
Stromanthe Triostars do not survive environments that have dry heat or air-conditioning. Since it is a tropical plant, it prefers humid conditions, so make sure to mist your plant every day to ensure a humid environment surrounds it. You can also invest in an air humidifier to maintain healthy levels. You should know What is High Humidity and How to Increase Humidity for Your Houseplants to save from environmental stress.
Soil:
The Stromanthe Triostar prefers light soil that allows it to breathe. The soil should be kept moist and not soggy. The Stromanthe Triostar has high water demands, but soggy soil will cause the soil to become waterlogged, and the plant will sustain damage in the process.
Potting:
When you observe your Stromanthe Triostar and see that it has roots coming out of the pot, which should only happen after a couple of years, all you need to do is take your plant carefully out of its pot and shake off most of the soil. Then place it in the new pot with a layer of soil already present below. Once it has been placed, carefully add more soil. Now water it thoroughly and let it rest in bright indirect sunlight. The plant takes 2-3 weeks to come out of shock, and it is preferred that this process is done during springs.
Grooming:
To ensure that your plant maintains its vibrancy, grooming is required.
The first step is pruning. You should remove the worn-out and unattractive leaves by making clean cuts with a blade. Do remember that not more than 30% of the plant is pruned in a given time.
Sometimes the damages to the leaves are very minute, and removing the entire leaf would affect the overall look of the plant so you can trim any discoloration or spots present on the leaves.
Lastly, the leaves look their best when their colors are vibrant. For this, the leaves need to be cleaned whenever you get the chance. Get a damp cloth and gently run it over the leaves.
Propagation:
Unlike other plants, the Triostar cannot be propagated through the cutting method, which is fairly common and simple. Stromanthe Triostar is best propagated through the division method, and that too in either during spring or summers.
The first step is to remove the entire plant and identify the part you plan to divide to create new plants. Separate a clump of roots with a bud, carefully untangle the roots, and pull them apart.
If they are hard to separate, use a sharp knife. Once the roots have been separated, please place them in fresh soil and water them properly. Keep them in a warm place where their water is monitored, and it shall propagate in a few weeks.
Stromanthe Triostar Plant Decoration Ideas
Although the Stromanthe Triostar will look good wherever you place it, certain places will help make the plant more prominent. For example:
Bathroom window:
Since Triostar loves a humid environment, your bathroom window is an ideal spot for it. Plus, having a green color in the bathroom would lift your interior designing skills to another level!
Living Room Corners:
The colorful and bright Stromnathe Triostar is fun to look at in your living room area; since it is non-toxic to you and your loved ones, you don’t have to worry about sharing your living area with it.
Winter Garden:
If you have a winter garden at your house, Stromanthe Triostar is a must for this room since there will be a bright light and no direct sunlight coming into the room. You just need to make sure you keep moistening your beloved plant.
Tabletop:
The plant can also be placed in a small pot on a table. Since the plant requires extra care, this particular decoration idea also benefits you to continuously monitor it. Apart from that, the colorful leaves serve as a great reason to place them on a table.
Common Issues of the Stromanthe Triostar Plant
Keeping a house plant comes with its share of issues, like pests and other plant diseases. Here are some associated with the Stromanthe Triostar.
Pests:
Common plant suckers like aphids and spider mites can damage your Stromanthe Triostar if the environment has low humidity. In this case, using a mild horticultural soap or neem oil spray would help you out.
Fungus:
If your plant gets too dry, it can attract fungus and mold. To keep the environment humid and fungus-free, mist the plant daily.
Yellowing or Pale leaves:
If your plant’s leaves have started to become slightly yellow or gotten pale, it means the soil is waterlogged. This also happens if the plant is being overwatered. It is ideal that the soil is drained instantly, and if the plant is damaged, it is better to re-pot it.
Yellow or Brown Crispy Edges:
Yellow and brown crisp edges on your plant’s leaf are a sign that your plant is underwatered. As soon as you notice this symptom, take the plant out of the pot, give it a nice rinse under the sink, and leave it in a dish of water for a couple of hours before potting it again. The visual damages cannot be reversed, but the new blooming leaves will not have the same appearance.
Withered and Brown Leaves:
If the air around your plant is too dry, it will make the leaves brown and withered. When you notice the change in the color of the leaves, regularly spray the plant to make its surroundings more humid. Since it is a tropical plant, the dryness in the air will cause it to wither sooner than other plants.
Risks Related to the Stromanthe Triostar
The Stromanthe Triostar is non-toxic and completely harmless to both pets and humans. There are no other known risks related to the Stromanthe Triostar.
So, whether you have kids or pets, there’s no risk in adorning your home with this plant.
Why is the Stromanthe Triostar Plant a Great Choice?
Since Stromanthe Triostar is best in warm, humid conditions, your house will be the perfect environment for it to grow.
But why should you get this plant? Here’s why:
Colorful Plant:
This plant has bright shiny colors; that is why they call it Magenta Triostar. The leaves have shades of pink and other vibrant colors, which would cheer your house’s mood up in no time!
Non-Toxic:
While getting indoor plants for your house, you have to check for those plants’ toxicity closely. In the case of Stromanthe Triostar, it is non-toxic and completely harmless. So, if you have pets at your home, this is the go-to plant.
Perfect Environment:
Your house conditions are perfect for hosting a Stromanthe Triostar. The warm environment of a household, plus the mild humidity that exists during spring and summers, serve as the best thriving grounds for this plant. Here is Everything you Need to Know About the Stromanthe Triostar Plant!
This may seem like a plant that requires a lot of care but looking at the beauty that it brings along with it, it is a fair trade. So, do not worry about it asking for extra care, just take note of its little needs and enjoy the vibrance it brings to your home. For more caring tips from the experts, check out our blog!
FAQs
Is Stromanthe Triostar an indoor plant?
Stromanthe Triostar are excellent indoor plants and can be placed in bright or bright-filtered light. They also do well in partial sun or shade. They are temperature and humidity tolerant, making them excellent for any setting. They do not require much maintenance and are low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for.
Is Stromanthe Triostar hard to grow?
Stromanthe Triostar has beautiful leaves and flowers, but the plant is notoriously difficult to grow. It requires high humidity and warm temperatures in order to thrive. It is also susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet.
If you are looking for a challenge, Stromanthe Triostar may be for you. But if you are new to gardening, it may be best to choose a different plant.
Is a Stromanthe Triostar a Calathea?
This plant is often confused with the calathea due to its similar leaf shape. However, the stromanthe triostar is a different genus and species than the calathea. The stromanthe triostar has dark green leaves with white veins running throughout.
Its leaves are shaped similarly to a calathea, but they are smaller and more delicate. This plant requires lots of sunlight and humidity, making it difficult to maintain in homes.
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