In love with compact plants? Or perhaps something that could easily convert into a hanging plant in your home? Well, then the Stromanthe plant has it all! With long, pointy, and multicolored leaves, this stunning indoor plant is the reason why so many of us got into gardening!
Buy Stromanthe Triostar
Of course, it sounds like a great idea to grab it and take it home immediately. But a lot of us have made the mistake of taking home a plant without first understanding it and what it needs. So, before you go ahead and get the Triostar plant home, here's what you need to know!
This blog will tell you about the history of this plant as well as some basic tips on proper Stromanthe care. So, stay with us and find out everything about the Stromanthe Triostar plant!
• History and Origins of the Stromanthe Plant
The stunning Stromanthe plant is scientifically called the Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar'. This wonderful plant has adapted well to indoor spaces and is now able to thrive anywhere with the right kind of care.
This plant is a native of the tropical rainforests of Brazil and really appreciates when you are able to mimic its natural environment for it at home. It belongs to the Marantaceae family, which is renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and striking leaf patterns.
a. Cultural Significance of the Stromanthe Plant
This plant is revered from bringing a touch of tropical exoticness to indoor spaces. Its common name, Tricolor Prayer Plant, hints at its relationship with other Prayer plants that fold their leaves at night, a behavior known as nyctinasty.
Just like those plants, this one too is known for closing up its leaves at night. Additionally, the Stromanthe Plant is a popular symbol of beauty in simplicity. People often refer to this plant when they wish to talk about finding beauty in the small things, because when you truly look around, there is beauty everywhere.
• Features and Benefits of the Stromanthe Triostar Plant
As would be expected from such a stunning plant, the Stromanthe Triostar is known and beloved for its multicolored foliage. This tropical stunner makes for a wonderful indoor plant with its adaptability and looks. But you must know that the Stromanthe is also so much more than just a pretty face!
Here are a few of its key features and benefits that will make you fall more in love with it:
1. Distinctive Foliage
Looking at the leaves of the Stromanthe plant, you're sure to be immediately captivated and mesmerized. But when you look closer, you will realize that the leaves are painted with more than just one or two different colors. White, cream, green, and pink colors are perfectly blended in with each other to create a wonderful symphony of hues. Additionally, the underside of the leaves is a wonderful, vibrant red hue which greatly adds to the charm of the plant.
2. Air Purifying Qualities
Much like many other indoor plants, the Stromanthe also possesses excellent purification qualities. This plant, through the process of transpiration, absorbs harmful toxins and lets out extra oxygen. There are a bunch of harmful toxins that are commonly found indoors through detergents, floor cleaners, and more. The Stromanthe clears out these toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other particulate matter by absorbing them. In turn, it releases extra oxygen into the air and ensures a cleaner and healthier environment for you.
3. Low Maintenance
It actually is true that the Triostar Stromanthe plant needs some gardening experience on your part in order to thrive. However, with the right kind of know-how and understanding of exactly what this plant needs, you can help it thrive in your space.
There on out, the plant is relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. This makes it great low maintenance addition to your home garden. But hey, just because it is relatively fuss-free, don't neglect it! It's very likely that it won't forgive neglect.
4. Growth Habit
The Stromanthe Triostar plant is a rather compactly growing plant. However, this stunner can also do well in hanging pots and planters, allowing you more versatility in its display options. Typically though, this indoor plant grows in an upright fashion and faces upwards. It grows up to an average height of 2-3 feet indoors, when cared for properly. Additionally, the growth of this plant is bushy and lush, making it the perfect centerpiece in indoor plant displays.
• Stromanthe Triostar Plant Care: What You Must Know
| 1. Light Requirements | Bright, indirect or filtered light |
| 2. Watering Needs | Twice a week |
| 3. Humidity | High humidity, mist regularly |
| 4. Soil Preferences | Well-drained, moist but not overwatered |
| 5. Fertilization | Every 4-6 weeks |
| 6. Pests to Watch Out For | Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites |
In short, the above mentioned tips are some basics of proper Stromanthe care. However, let's get into it in depth because you're definitely going to need it:
1. Stromanthe Light Requirements
The Stromanthe plant is quite particular about what it needs it light exposure to be. As a tropical plant, this plant is used to being under the dense canopy of trees. In such situations, the plant receives bright yet indirect or fully filtered light. This is the kind of light condition that you must mimic.
So, you can place your Triostar plant near a window that receives indirect light or one that has a translucent curtain which will allow filtered direct light to fall on your plant. This kind of light exposure will ensure proper growth and development of your plant.
2. Watering the Stromanthe
Technically, proper Stromanthe care includes watering it on time and not over or underwatering it. What you must know is that either problems are detrimental to this plant's health and it is imperative you strike the right balance to help your Triostar thrive.
This plant needs to be watered at least twice a week but the requirements may vary according to weather conditions. In hotter or warmer weathers, the plant may require watering more than twice. However, in humid or colder climates, it may need less frequent watering. If you're unsure about how to figure out when to water your plant, follow either of these two methods:
a. Finger Dip Test
For this, stick your finger into the soil of your Stromanthe plant down to your second knuckle. After doing to, take it out and you will notice one of two things: your finger is dry and no mud has stuck to it or it is moist and some dampened mud has gotten stuck to it.
If your finger comes out dry, you must water your plant immediately, as the area under the soil has dried up. However, if it is moist, then you need not water your plant as it seems to be perfectly watered.
The only drawback of this method is that it isn't always accurate as your finger does not go all the way down to the roots.
b. Ugaoo's Sustee Watermeter
Make use of this method if you're looking for something more accurate than the finger dip test. Ugaoo's Sustee will tell you exactly the right time to water your plants by giving you a precise indication. Insert the stick of the watermeter into the soil, down to the >< arrows.
After 30 minutes, you will find an indication on the stick. If the indicator is blue, that means your plant is perfectly watered. However, if it is white, it means that your plant needs to be given water immediately.
3. Use the Best Soil for Stromanthe Triostar Plants
It's like we always say - the soil is one of the most important parts of healthy plants. What your Stromanthe Triostar plant needs is well-drained and aerated soil that will allow it more space to breathe and grow. For better results, you can also amend this soil with tree bark, Perlite, or Cocopeat.
However, if you're looking for all these ingredients in the same place, use Ugaoo's Pot-O-Mix - a perfect blend of 11 ingredients including the ones mentioned above.
This soil must remain consistently moist but must never be waterlogged. If it collects too much water, it will cause suffocation of the roots and ultimately, root rot.
4. Humidity and Temperature
High humidity is essential for this tropical plant. Aim for at least 50% humidity, using a humidifier or a pebble tray if you cannot manually mist your plant every day.
There are 3 things you can do to ensure proper moisture reaches your plants:
1. Use a Mister
To regularly mist your plant, you can make use of a proper mister that will allow you to get water to your leaves with just a few sprays. However, if you want to get moisture to them more effortlessly and with a wider covered, you can make use of a Pressure Sprayer.
2. Humidifier
A humidifier is your next best option. Place your automatic humidifier near your plant and ensure that it is filled with water. This way, it will keep spraying your water and mist at regular intervals.
3. Humidity Tray
If you're unable to do manual misting and use humidifier, you can set up a humidity tray. To do so, just take a tray and line with pebbles along the edges and center. Then, fill it up with water and watch it get moisture to your plants!
5. Fertilization
Stromanthe Triostar plants will need regular fertilization. When you first buy the plant from Ugaoo, you do not need to worry about fertilization for the first 6 months. But after that period, you must feed your Stromanthe with a slow-release, organic, and all-round fertilizer.
To amend the soil, you can also add some Cow Manure after 6 months. However, for proper fertilization, you can use Ugaoo's Plant Food Fertilizer Sticks. This will ensure a slow-release of nutrients that will reach your plant every time you water it.
6. Pruning and Maintenance
Regularly remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain your plant's appearance and health. If you notice any leggy growth on your Stromanthe, immediately cut it off with either a pruner, scissors, or a handy clipper.
• Stromanthe Triostar Propagation
There are two major methods of Stromathe Triostar propagation. Here's what you must know:
1. Division Method
The most effective way to propagate the Stromanthe Triostar is through division. During repotting, carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a few roots and healthy leaves. Plant the divisions in fresh, well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
2. Growing Stromanthe Triostar in Water
Another method is to root cuttings in water. Although less common, it can be successful with patience. Take a healthy stem cutting with at least one leaf and a node, and place it in a container of water. Change the water regularly to prevent stagnation and encourage root growth. Once roots are a few inches long, transplant the cutting into soil.
• Stromanthe Triostar Problems
1. Leaf Browning and Crispy Edges
a. Cause: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
b. Solution: Increase humidity around the plant using a humidifier or a pebble tray. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, and use distilled or rainwater to avoid chlorine and fluoride buildup.
2. Faded or Scorched Leaves
a. Cause: Exposure to direct sunlight.
b. Solution: Place the plant in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause the vibrant colors to fade. Filter the light with sheer curtains if necessary.
3. Root Rot
a. Cause: Overwatering and poor drainage.
b. Solution: Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes and use a well-draining soil mix. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged conditions.
Now that you know more about the Stromanthe Triostar plant, you're ready to grow your own! So, when will you be getting yours?
