Stromanthe
Stromanthe thalia (stroh-MAN-thee THAH-lee-ah)
Stromanthe is a tender evergreen herbaceous perennial that is native to the rainforests of Brazil. It prefers high humidity and warm temperatures. The plant has beautiful foliage that is up to 20 inches long, elliptical to oblong, glossy, dark green on the upper surface, and burgundy on the undersides. At night the leaves fold together to resemble praying hands. In the spring, panicles of tiny white flowers with orangish-red sepals and red bracts appear. The plant grows up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide when grown outdoors, but as a houseplant, it is usually only 2 to 3 feet tall. The genus name Stromanthe originates from two Greek words, stroma and anthos . Stroma means "bed," and anthos means "a flower." This refers to the flower inflorescence. The specific epithet, thalia , is Greek for "to blossom" or "blooming." The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 10 to 12, but it is typically grown as a houseplant or annual in the United States. It prefers partial to dappled shade and moist, well-drained soils. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, and it is intolerant of dry soils. The plant thrives in high humidity. Consider using a humidifier or setting the plant's container on a bed of moist pebbles to increase the interior humidity. Propagation by division is best done in the spring before the new growth starts. 'Triostar' is a popular variegated cultivar of this species with olive-green leaves variegated with white, cream, and pink. You will find it commercially under several different names, including 'Tristar,' 'Tricolor,' and 'Triostar.' The eye-catching plant is a member of the Marantaceae or prayer plant family. Consider this tropical plant for a shaded patio or an area of your home with indirect sunlight so you can enjoy the colorful foliage year-round. rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, erect, clumping habit, 3 to 5 feet tall, and 2 to 3 feet wide branching stems elliptical to oblong leaves up to 20 inches long, 6 inches wide, dark green, undersides red with entire margins panicles of tiny white flowers with orangish-red sepals and red bracts Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Root and stem rot can occur from overwatering.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 44 attributes.
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