Stromanthe Triostar care guide

The stromanthe Triostar has long leaves streaked in pink, cream, and green, with deep pink undersides. It is in the prayer plant family. Its leaves fold up at night and open in the morning. It is one of the showiest houseplants you can grow. It asks for steady water, bright light, and moist air in return.

Light

Give it bright indirect light. An east window is ideal. A spot a few steps back from a south or west window works too.

More light brings out more pink. Too much direct sun bleaches and burns the leaves. In low light, new leaves come in greener with less color.

Water

Water when the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer. Keep the soil moist, not soggy. In winter, it needs water less often.

It reacts to minerals and fluoride in tap water. If the tips brown, switch to rainwater, filtered, or distilled water. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use a houseplant mix with some perlite and orchid bark. It holds moisture but lets air reach the roots.

Repot every year or two in spring, one size up. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Humidity matters most for this plant. It does best at 50% or higher. In dry air, leaf edges turn brown and crispy, and the leaves curl.

A humidifier is the best fix. Grouping plants together helps a little. Keep it away from heat vents and cold drafts.

Keep it between 18 and 27°C (65 and 80°F), and above 15°C (60°F).

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Too much fertilizer browns the tips. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Pruning

Cut damaged or brown leaves off at the base of the stem. Trim crispy edges with clean scissors, following the leaf shape.

Propagation

Divide it in spring. Ease the plant out of its pot and pull the clump apart into pieces. Each piece needs several leaves and good roots. Pot each one up and keep it warm and humid while it settles. Expect some droop for a week or two.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Brown, crispy leaf edges	Dry air, tap water minerals, or dry soil
Leaves curl in during the day	Thirst, dry air, or cold
Faded, bleached leaves	Too much direct sun
New leaves come in green	Not enough light
Yellow leaves and soggy soil	Too much water
Fine webbing and speckled leaves	Spider mites

Pests

Spider mites are the most common pest. They love the dry air this plant hates. Check under the leaves every week. Rinse the leaves in the shower to knock mites off. Watch for mealybugs and thrips too.

Pet safety

Stromanthe is in the prayer plant family. The ASPCA lists its close cousins, such as prayer plant and calathea, as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Cats Protection in the UK lists stromanthe as safe for cats.

Varieties

• Stromanthe ‘Triostar’ has pink, cream, and green leaves. It is the one most stores sell.
• Stromanthe ‘Magicstar’ has more white and less pink in its streaks.
• Plain Stromanthe sanguinea has dark green leaves with red undersides. It is tougher than the variegated forms.