Stromanthe Triostar care: watering, light and repotting
Also called stromanthe, triostar, stromanthe sanguinea · Stromanthe thalia · Marantaceae family
8 d in winter
How often to water the stromanthe?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 8 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Its pink and cream leaves need bright light without direct sun, and high humidity.
Misting every 3 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The stromanthe likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 20–32 in (50–80 cm).
Common problems
Brown edges
Cause: Air too dry. What to do: Mist daily or use a humidifier.
Pink fading
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Move it closer to a window with a sheer curtain.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the stromanthe?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 8 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the stromanthe?
The stromanthe likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the stromanthe?
Yes, misting every 3 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the stromanthe?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the stromanthe safe?
No toxicity is known, but no veterinary source has confirmed it: to be safe, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Rather for experienced growers: it's demanding about watering, light or humidity. Some experience helps.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.