Stromanthe — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Stromanthe thalia |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 21–42 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–180 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | High |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Divide rhizomes or plant container specimens in consistently moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade; stromanthe (Triostar, 'Tricolor') is a Brazilian tropical perennial of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae) that produces some of the most dramatically colored foliage of any shade tropical plant — the long, lance-shaped, leathery leaves are boldly painted in irregular splashes, streaks, and blotches of cream-white, pale green, and deep forest green on the upper surface, while the undersides are uniformly, intensely wine-red to magenta, creating a bicolor leaf display that is visible from both above and below. Like its relatives calathea and maranta, the leaves fold upward in the evening (a response called nyctinasty, hence 'prayer plant' family), revealing the red undersides in a daily display. Requires consistently moist soil and high humidity — the primary challenge of growing stromanthe successfully in hot, dry climates. Excellent in shaded tropical borders, outdoor living spaces, and bright-shade patio containers in zones 10–12. The cultivar 'Triostar' is the standard variegated selection widely grown.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · stromanthe-sanguinea
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0