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Stromanthe Triostar

Plant care guide

How to care for Stromanthe Triostar

Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' (also listed as Stromanthe thalia)

Care level: Needs extra care

The Stromanthe Triostar is pure color, with leaves splashed in green, cream and pink on top and glowing magenta underneath. When it folds its leaves up at night, those hot-pink undersides really steal the show.

Also known as: Stromanthe Triostar, Triostar Stromanthe, Stromanthe sanguinea, Stromanthe thalia, Tricolor Stromanthe, Magenta Triostar, Prayer Plant

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox it right away; it doesn't like cold or darkness.
  2. Place it in bright, indirect light, which keeps the pink and cream variegation strong; avoid direct sun, heat vents and drafty spots.
  3. Check the soil: water with room-temperature filtered water if the top inch is dry; otherwise wait a few days.
  4. A crispy edge, curled leaves or a yellow leaf are normal after shipping; trim fully damaged leaves at the base.
  5. Don't repot for 2 to 3 weeks.
  6. Add humidity right away with a humidifier or a group of plants.

Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.

Light

Triostar needs bright, indirect light to keep its pink and cream colors, such as a few feet from an east window or behind a sheer curtain at a south or west window. Too little light makes new leaves greener and less colorful. Direct sun scorches and fades the pale sections of the leaves quickly.

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, watering when the top inch is dry, usually about once a week. Use filtered, distilled or rain water at room temperature, since it reacts to tap-water chemicals with brown tips. Curling leaves mean thirst or dry air; yellowing leaves and a mushy base mean overwatering.

Humidity

High humidity is important, ideally 50 to 60 percent or more. A humidifier works best, especially in winter; grouping plants and pebble trays help too. Dry air is the most common cause of crispy edges.

Temperature

Keep it warm, between about 65 and 80 degrees F, and away from cold drafts, chilly windows and vents. It is damaged by temperatures below about 60 degrees F.

Soil & repotting

Use an airy, moisture-retaining mix such as indoor potting soil with coco coir or peat and perlite. Use a pot with drainage and repot in spring every 1 to 2 years, one size up. Handle the roots gently.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter; too much fertilizer causes brown tips.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Crispy brown edgesdry air or tap-water minerals. Use filtered water and run a humidifier.
  • New leaves losing pink colornot enough light. Move it closer to a bright window, out of direct sun.
  • Bleached or scorched patchestoo much direct sun. Move it into filtered light.
  • Curled leavesthirst, cold or low humidity. Check the soil and raise humidity.
  • Yellow leavesoverwatering. Let the top inch dry before watering.
  • Spider mitesspeckling and fine webbing. Rinse the leaves and treat with insecticidal soap.

Tips to help it thrive

  • Place it where light can shine through the leaves from behind; the magenta undersides glow beautifully.
  • Divide large plants in spring to make new ones.
  • Trim off any all-green shoots that appear to keep the plant colorful.

Pet safety

Stromanthe Triostar isn't specifically named in the ASPCA's plant database, and it isn't known to be toxic. As with any houseplant, keep it out of reach of pets that like to chew.

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