On a wing and a prayer is a common saying, but how about planting a prayer plant instead?
The Stromanthe is a unique plant that has very long and thin leaves. The dark green color of these leaves has pale veins on the top with wine-colored undersides. This tropical South American plant is a common staple at most local nurseries.
There are two main species of this plant that you will find available for sale most often. The Stromanthe Triostar which has lance-shaped leaves that come in three colors. The Stromanthe amabilis is the other common variety that features greenish-grey leaves that have dark forest green markings. Growing and caring for the Stromanthe is not that difficult even if you don’t live in a tropical climate.
The Stromanthe Sanguinea needs plenty of moisture in the air, so if you notice brown leaves, add an electric humidifier near the plant. The sanguine is super attractive and makes for an attractive gift or talking point in any home. While many may consider them hard to maintain due to their finicky watering deeds, they are actually easy to grow. As long as you can commit to keeping them well watered but not soggy, your Stromanthe Sanguinea will thrive all year long.
About the Stromanthe
Contents
- The prayer plant family has ten plant species.
- The Stromanthe Sanguinea features thin dark green leave with light veins.
- When cultivated outdoors, Sanguinea plants will occasionally produce blooms.
- Outdoor Stromanthe will develop white-colored flowers with cherry-red bracts.
- The Stromanthe Sanguinea originates from South America.
- Stromanthe amabilis features grayish-green leaves and forest colored markings.
- The steps of the are almost always red.
- The Sanguinea needs moist soil to thrive.
- Too much-standing water will cause the Sanguinea to develop root rot.
- Indoor plants tend to be much smaller than those grown outside.
- The Stromanthe plant needs moderate temperatures to thrive.
- 60 degrees or less will cause leaf burn.
Stromanthe Features: An Overview
- The botanical name of the Stromanthe is Stromanthe Sanguinea.
- The underside of the Stromanthe leaves are a deep wine color.
- Stromanthes are in the Marantaceae family.
- The Stromanthe Triostar features lance-shaped leaves in three colors.
- Sanguinea tend to grow straight up, both the stems and the leaves.
- When grown outdoors the Stromanthe can reach heights of up to five feet.
- Indoor Sanguinea plants do not produce flowers.
- The Stromanthe plant is unable to tolerate direct sunlight and must be housed in the shade.
- A balanced water-soluble liquid houseplant fertilizer is recommended for the Sanguinea.
Growing The Stromanthe
Growing the Stromanthe plant is not very difficult. It tends to have stems that will grow directly pointing up which can reach as high as a foot into the air. The leaves of this handsome plant also grow outwards and can get as large as 16 inches long on a mature, well cared for the plant.
The Stromanthe can be cultivated for indoor use, or it can be planted outdoors if you happen to live in a tropical climate. When grown outdoors, the leaves may achieve a three-foot spread with a stem height as tall as five feet.
The bright red stems of the Stromanthe plant can be quite alluring, especially when in contrast with its bright green foliage. If you are interested in smaller plants, you can pot them and raise them indoors, however for larger varieties they must be planted outside.
Moderate temperatures are best for this plant, specifically USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12. They should not be exposed to direct sunlight regardless of where they are planted, with partial shade being the most preferable. They love temperatures that range between room temperature and 70 degrees. If you are comfortable in a room, or under a specific tree, chances are this plant will love it as well. Anything lower than 60 degrees can cause leaf burn.
Watering The Stromanthe
Watering the Sanguinea is more complex than planting or even propagating the plant. It is unable to tolerate any amount of standing water. Soggy soil will quickly lead to root rot, but at the same time, it needs a lot of water to survive. The soil will need to remain moist but not soggy which makes selecting the right soil mix very important.
Certain types of this plant also need humidity in partnership with moist soil in order to grow well. For potted Stromanthe, it can be very difficult to ensure that it is getting the water it needs without becoming oversaturated. Choose a pot that has ample drainage holes in addition to placing it on a pebbled base. This will prevent water from standing in the pot and soaking the soil while also maintaining the right humidity level.
- Easy to grow, colorful house plant
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Keep evenly moist, not wet or dry
- Trim as needed
- Immediate shipping, 4" pot- similar to the second and third photos
- Originally from Brazil, the Stromanthe sanguinea, more commonly known as a Stromanthe Triostar, loves high humidity and warm temperatures. With green, cream and rosy pink-colored leaves, this houseplant is sure to brighten up any indoor space.
- Sunlight: Low to bright indirect light. Direct sun burns her leaves.
- Water: Once a week, when soil is dry 2" down.
- Pets: Pet-friendly
- Care: Great choice for the intermediate plant parent.
- Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Wekiva Foliage. Triostar Stromanthe is a striking tropical plant never fails to catch the eye, with exotic variegated foliage of cream, green, and pink. Broad, shiny leaves are arranged in fans, with burgundy-pink undersides.
- Calathea Vittata (Elliptica) is a species of the genus Calathea that comprises of about 300 species and many cultivars and hybrid that are popularly grown for their exquisitely colored and patterned foliage. ‘Vittata’ is an attractive horticultural cultivar with a moderate growth rate.
- A variety of Calathea ornata, the Calathea ‘Beauty Star’ has elegantly shaped green leaves that are stripped in pink, white and silver. These leaves are longer and thinner than a traditional ornata. The underside of each leaf exhibits a deep purple.
- A Rattlesnake plant is fairly tall, with leaves that can grow 30 inches tall or more. The leaves are one of the primary feature of this plant, with dark green spots overlaying a lighter green leaf.
- The Calathea Makoyana or Peacock Plant as it is more commonly known is a wonderful plant that can be known to grow up to 2ft in height when cared for correctly. Also named Cathedral Windows.
Last update on 2023-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ground planted Stromanthe are less prone to root rot since there is more soil to absorb any excess water. It is also important to fertilize your Stromanthe plant once every three weeks with a water-soluble liquid houseplant fertilizer that is properly balanced.
In between watering sessions, mist your Stromanthe plant to ensure it maintains the right humidity to keep it healthy and growing on schedule. Taking care of your plant will reward you with a large indoor Triostar that reaches about three feet in height. If you are cultivating your plant outdoors, you can grow one as tall as a person.
These plants are Brazilian rain forest natives but with a bit of TLC and plenty of moisture, they can grow anywhere.
Propagating The Stromanthe
Propagating the Stromanthe Sanguinea is not very difficult, but it does take a bit of effort. You will need pots of well-draining soil for the cuttings. If you plan to leave your new plants in pots for indoor use, they will need to be shallow pots.
Ground bound Stromanthe Sanguinea can be planted directly in the soil, or in regular pots. Make sure to use a mix of perlite and houseplant potting mix to ensure that it drains properly. You can also substitute perlite with ground pumice if you will be planting your new cuttings in heavier soil.
The sanguinea can be propagated by cuttings or division. It is much easier to divide the plant than it is to create a healthy new plant from a cutting. For division, simply take a mature, healthy plant from its container or gently dig it up from the ground.
With a large plant knife, cut it at the base to create two separate root structures. If you are working with a particularly large Stromanthe, you can cut it into three or even four different root structures. Once you have separated each structure, place it in a new pot filled with your potting mix and perlite soil.
When taking cuttings for propagation, instead of taking from the stem it is better to take cuttings from the plant’s crown. Just like with division, plant each cutting in a small pot with the same perlite and potting soil mixture. It is a good idea to keep the plants inside until the roots have had time to develop.
Once they have taken root, you can transfer them into the ground or can place them in larger containers for indoor cultivation. Being tropical plants, they will need a lot of humidity in order to properly grow. Cover new plants with a plastic bag and keep them in a warm place until they are big enough to transfer to their permanent homes.
In Conclusion
If you are looking for an attractive plant to add to your outdoor garden or even for your patio or indoor garden, the Stromanthe Sanguinea is an attractive choice. It is easy to grow and easy to propagate, though it takes a bit of patience to learn how to water it properly.
This attractive plant feature deeply colored green leaves that pair attractively with red stems. The Stromanthe Sanguinea plant is naturally resistant to most pests which makes it a great low-maintenance choice for any household. Like all houseplants, you will need to keep an eye out for scale bugs, aphids, and mealybugs.
Removing these minor pests is easy with gentle handle cleaning using a soft dry cloth. Avoid using insecticides because the leaves are unable to tolerate chemicals. For a natural solution, consider applying a bit of Neem oil to the leaves and other affected parts for safe pest control. Pruning is not often required, but if you notice your plants start to develop brown leaves, remove them and add a humidifier to the room. Brown leaves are a sure sign that there is not enough humidity in the air for this tropical plant.
The Stromanthe ‘Triostar’ is a great plant for every level of gardener regardless of where you live or how much space you have to offer.
