Tricolor Stromanthe: The Plant with a Pop of Color

First, let’s get one thing straight. Like the multiple leaf colors on this stunning plant, a Tricolor Stromanthe also goes by the name Stromanthe Triostar, Stromanthe sanguinea, and possibly even Stromanthe thalia. But to keep things simple, I like to refer to this plant as the Tricolor because it really makes the most sense. (Just look at the leaves for a second—minus the crispy edges—and you’ll see what I mean.)

My Tricolor Stromanthe is happily camped out on my TV stand in none other than a terra cotta pot. A few feet from the window, it enjoys the marginal level of light and tends to perk up in the evening hours to show off the vibrant pink-maroon undersides of its leaves. A lover of humidity and warmth, this plant most likely enjoys living in my 80-degree home. Unfortunately, Tricolor Stromanthe plants can be a little finnicky, so be sure to follow these plant care tips:

Light
Tricolor plants don’t actually need much light. A tropical plant, it prefers dappled light similar to what it would experience living in a rainforest. Direct sunlight will most surely burn their leaves, so keeping it a few feet from the window is a good choice. However, the more medium light your plant receives, the more variegation you’ll see with the leaves.

Water
Tricolor plants love having slightly damp soil (again, think about a rainforest environment). You can still let the top inch of the soil dry before watering again, but it’s ok if soil further down is still moist. Be sure not to overwater, however, as that will lead to root rot. As if they weren’t picky enough, Triostar plants tend to show their dislike for tap water rather quickly. Distilled water at room temperature is best for these picky plants.

Soil
Like most plants, Triostars need soil that is well-draining and breathable. Even though they like retaining moisture, soil that becomes too dense and compact after watering will be an issue. An easy way to ensure the right type of soil for your plant is to combine a peat-based potting soil with perlite to make it fluffy and light. Also, be sure you use a pot that has a drainage hole.

Temperature
A room temperature between 60-80 degrees is ideal for Triostar plants. They thrive in humid conditions, so be sure to also place them away from heating and cooling vents. To keep your plant happy without natural humidity, you can also mist the leaves each day. In dry winter months, a humidifier or pebble tray is a good idea to keep the leaves from becoming crispy from lack of moisture.

Despite their finnicky nature, there’s a lot to love about these beautiful plants. If you’re up for the challenge of caring for a Tricolor, it’s a great choice to add a pop of color to your home. And, as a bonus, these plants aren’t toxic to pets or people! Would you ever purchase a Tricolor? Do you own one already? I’d love to know!

XO,
Micah