Stromanthe Tricolor Plant (Stromanthe sanguinea)

The Stromanthe sanguinea is a wonderful plant to grow as a houseplant. It is a native plant in Brazilian rain-forests. Being a member of the prayer plant family, the leaves fold up as if in prayer. The dark green leaves are variegated in shades of pink, red, white, or green. Indoors, it can grow to a height of 60 to 90cm (2-3 feet), but grown outdoors, this plant can easily reach to 1.5m (5 feet). They produce reddish-pink flowers in spring.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: Place a Stromanthe Plant in bright indirect light but no direct sun, a north or east facing window is best.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: A Stromanthe Plant likes to be kept barely moist at all times. Be careful not to over-water a Stromanthe or the roots rot and the plant dies. In winter, allow the soil of a Stromanthe to dry out a little more, but never completely.

FERTILIZER: Feed a Stromanthe every two weeks when the plant is producing new leaves, ususally from early spring to the end of fall. Always dilute the plant food for a Stromanthe to 1/2 the recommended strength.

TEMPERATURE: Avoid placing a Stromanthe in a cold or hot draft, otherwise basic household temperatures are fine.

HUMIDITY: A Stromanthe needs high humidity to keep its beautiful leaves looking good. If your house is dry, you need to place a Stromanthe on a wet pebble tray. Be sure the plant is sitting on the pebbles and not in the water. Stromanthe Plant leaves turn brown and become crisp when the air is too dry and the plant quickly disintegrates.

FLOWERING: A Stromanthe sanquinea produces reddish-orange flowers in the Spring.

PESTS: Aphids are a plant pest problem for a Stromanthe and, if the humidity is very low, spider mites move in.

DISEASES: The high humidity a Stromanthe plant requires encourages fungal plant diseases.

SOIL: Use a light, quick-draining soil for a Stromanthe Plant, that retains moisture but drains well. A peat based potting soil is a good choice for a Stromanthe.