HOW TO GROW STROMANTHE SANGUINEA 'Triostar'

How to grow Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' 

Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' is a highly ornamental foliage plant grown as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen in northern Europe, or as a garden plant in subtropical to tropical climates. The original species is native to the rainforests of Brazil, thriving in the damp, shaded conditions of the forest floor. Like many species from the family Marantaceae the leaves characteristically fold up over night as if in prayer.

Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' flowers

Under favorable conditions, you can expect indoor specimens of Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' to reach a height of between 60 to 90 cm. However heights up to 1.5 metres can be expected when grown outside!

The dark green leaves are oblong to lance-shaped and variegated in striking shades of pink, red, white. The underneath of the leaf has a wine-red pigmentation which backs specialist mirror-like cells. In the low light levels of the forest floor these cells reflect light back to chlorophyll-filled plant cells. The species name 'sanguinea' means 'blood-red' and is a description of the leaf underside. In the spring reddish-pink flowers can appear.

Stromanthe sanguinea illustration

When grown as a houseplant, Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' will perform well in a good quality potting compost such as John Innes 'No.2' or a proprietary peat based compost. Position in a warm bright room, but one which does not receive direct sunlight. Especially from April until October. Maintain a minimum winter temperature of 13 degrees Celsius and avoid those below 10 degrees Celsius.

During the growing season provide humid conditions by regularly spraying the foliage with tepid water - preferably clean, collected rainwater to prevent water marks.

Water freely from March to September, but allow the top 5 cm or so of compost to dry out between watering during the rest of the year.

Re-pot established plants in April and feed every two weeks with a liquid soluble fertilizer.

Specimens grown outside will need a moist, free draining soil that is known to not dry out over the summer. They will require full shade to semi-shade as the foliage is easily scorched.

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