Stromanthe triostar
Scientific name: Stromanthe sanguinea
☘️ Toxicity: Safe for cats
☀️ Ideal light: Medium to bright, always indirect
💧 Watering: Frequent; keep the soil moist but never soggy
The Stromanthe triostar is a tropical plant prized for its striking tricolor foliage in shades of green, cream, and pink. Perfect for bright, humid interiors, it’s non-toxic to cats and adds a touch of elegance and color to any room. Its leaves gently move throughout the day in response to light — a charming characteristic of this vibrant species.
Essential care
- Light: Thrives in bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy; water when the top feels slightly dry.
- Humidity: Loves high humidity — mist regularly or use a humidifier in dry environments.
- Substrate: Rich and well-draining mix (potting soil, perlite, and coconut fiber).
- Fertilization: Every two weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10 or 4-14-8).
- Environment: Prefers 20–28 °C (68–82 °F); avoid cold drafts or direct air conditioning.
Pests and how to handle them
- Mites: Common in dry air; increase humidity and clean leaves with a damp cloth.
- Scale insects: Remove manually with cotton and 70% alcohol or use neem oil.
- Fungal issues: Avoid water standing on leaves; improve air circulation.
Propagation
- Division: The easiest method — separate young shoots with roots during repotting.
- Repotting: Best done in early spring as the plant resumes active growth.
Cat safety
- Classification: Considered non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA.
- Best practice: Keep leaves clean and dust-free to prevent irritation if chewed.
💡 The Stromanthe’s leaves follow the daily light cycle — folding up at night and opening with daylight, a natural movement known as nyctinasty.
Frequently asked questions
- Why are the leaf tips browning? Low humidity or hard water; increase misting and use filtered water if possible.
- Why are the colors fading? Insufficient light or lack of nutrients; move to a brighter spot and fertilize regularly.
- Why do the leaves move? It’s a natural reaction to light cycles, typical of prayer plants (Marantaceae family).
Quick checklist
- ☀️ Bright indirect light
- 💧 Keep soil moist but not soggy
- 🌫️ High humidity and good ventilation
- 🪴 Repot in spring
- 🐾 Safe for cats