Stromanthe triostar in pot

Credit: Hardyplants

Stromanthe sanguinea triostar in the ground

Credit: Kimon Berlin

Stromanthe colored foliage

Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Engking

Stromanthe sanguinea triostar in bloom

Credit: Ryan Somma

Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar', the false Calathea (Goeppertia)

With its pink, green and cream foliage, Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' looks like a Harlequin. And like the mischievous character, it likes to confuse the issue. Sometimes sold as Calathea 'Triostar', sometimes marketed as the peacock plant, this variety is a cultivar of Stromanthe thalia, a species of Marantaceae native to Brazil.

How to recognize Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar'?

An upright perennial, Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' measures up to 80 centimetres high with a spread of 50 centimetres.

Its short, upright stems emerge from an underground rhizome. They are extended by a wine-red stalk and can support several leaves.

The olive-green blades are streaked with cream and pink stripes on the upper surface. The underside is a deep pink. The oval leaves are leathery and glossy, as in Stromanthe thalia. The apex is pointed. The largest are 45 cm long and 15 cm wide.

Flowering takes place in spring. The foliage is crowned with bright pink bracts, topped with small white flowers.

Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' is non-toxic when touched or ingested. Some studies even claim it has pollution-removing properties.

Our maintenance tips

Not very demanding, your Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' is content with a location without direct sunlight and plenty of humidity.

Watering

Your Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar likes its soil to be moist. But it hates excess water. Water when the surface of the substrate is dry (about a centimetre).

Use room-temperature, non-calcareous water, such as rainwater.

Drain any water that collects in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.

Spray

Mist the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. This will increase humidity and limit pest attacks.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Choose a pierced pot one-third larger than the previous one. Choose width rather than height to allow roots to develop. Choose a plastic or ceramic container rather than a clay one. The latter tend to absorb water more quickly.

Install a bed of clay balls and cover it with potting soil for indoor plants. Don't hesitate to mix in some perlite to optimize drainage. Then place the rootball and add potting soil until you reach a centimetre or two below the rim of the pot. Tamp down to avoid air bubbles.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants to stimulate growth.

Cleaning

Photosynthesis is slowed down by dust accumulating on the leaves. To help your Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar make the most of its exposure, clean the foliage with a clean, damp cloth.

Dusting also helps prevent pest attacks.

Prune

Using clean, sharp pruning shears, remove damaged or dried-out foliage.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Rhizomes are underground stems. To access them, you'll need to dig up your plant. Proceed delicately so as not to damage the roots.

Observe the root system to detect the natural demarcation between rhizomes. Once you've identified two distinct roots, gently separate them using your hands.

In a pierced pot, pour a layer of clay balls for drainage. Add potting soil for seedlings and planting.

Using a pencil, make a pilot hole and plant your cutting.

Water at room temperature to help the plant take root.

Diseases / Threats

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Marantaceae - Marantaceae
Type	Stromanthe - Stromanthe
Species	Stromanthe sanguinea - Stromanthe thalia
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Half-shade Shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Rhizome Herbaceous
Tags	Flowery Fritillary
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors