Stromanthe Triostar: In-Depth Guide on Care & Facts

Colorful, tropical, and whimsical, the Stromanthe Triostar features stunning shades of pink, cream, magenta, and green. Native of South America, the Triostar plant makes for the perfect houseplant (but is also popular in outdoor landscapes in tropical to subtropical climates). An inspiring creation of mother nature, it is so beautiful it looks like a work of art.

Names: Stromanthe sanguinea ‘Triostar’, Stromanthe Triostar, Tricolor plant, Calathea Triostar, Stromanthe thalia 

Origin: Rainforests of Brazil

About: The soft hued Triostar plant is classified of the Stromanthe genus. Not only drawing attention to its showy colors, but the Triostar is also a part of the broader ‘prayer plant’ family (Marantaceae), so aptly named for the display of movement the leaves produce. Due to a circadian rhythm response, the leaves of prayer plants lower during the day and lift at night (aka ‘pray’). 

With oblong, thin, delicate leaves, the Triostar can grow outward and get bushy. However, the plant does not grow much taller than 3 feet indoors. 

Indoor Care: Moderate to bright, indirect light is recommended. Specifically, for the most viable conditions, consider a spot for the plant that isn’t in the sun's direct path (no sun rays) but also isn’t too dark. A location that is somewhat bright (so someplace other than that dim corner) like near an eastern or northern facing window will be best. If your Triostar isn’t getting enough light, new growth may be stunted. And on the other hand, if exposed to too much sun, the foliage may get scorched or the color may start to fade.

For all indoor plant care, it’s helpful to channel the plant family’s natural habitat. Of course we can’t (nor shouldn’t) recreate rainforest environments, but it is worthwhile to note that we can introduce extra humidity when needed and provide dappled light (reminiscent of what the plant receives on the rainforest floor, protected by the canopy). 

When provided with the right conditions the Triostar will thrive and will benefit from moderate moisture. This is a plant that enjoys staying slightly damp throughout, so only water once the top inch of soil is partly dry (typically this plant requires water about once a week in the spring and summer months, and less during the cooler months). 

During the spring and summer months, fertilize your Triostar monthly for optimal continued growth. We recommend using a granular houseplant fertilizer & using half the amount listed on the bottle.

Extra Care: While this plant is mostly simple to care for and maintain, it does require a little extra attention. Humidity can play a role in the plants ability to flourish as it enjoys that extra moisture. If the ends of the leaves get slightly crispy and brown (don’t worry this is very common) then try misting the leaves a couple of times a week with room temperature water. You can also consider placing a pebble tray filled with water under the plant's pot (assuming it has drainage holes) to increase humidity (just make sure there’s no water touching soil). 

It’s also helpful to prune your Triostar and cut off dead leaves. We recommend waiting until the leaf is mostly brown before cutting it away. If you just don’t like the look of half brown leaves or crispy edges, then just cut off that portion and leave the rest. 

Toxicity: Considered non-toxic and safe around humans, cats, and dogs. 

Interesting Tidbit: The underside of the Triostar leaf is a dark pinkish-purple which functions as both a protective coating from the sun and a light conserving mechanism depending on which side is exposed to sunlight.

You can buy this plant online here: Stromanthe Triostar

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