Triostar Stromanthe

Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar'

Photo courtesy of Alan Shapiro, Grandiflora Nursery, © 2010

Many plants are grown for their beautiful flowers, but plants like Stromanthe sanguinea ‘Triostar’ impress people with their fabulous foliage. In fact, ‘Triostar’ is so impressive that it was named a Florida Plant of the Year by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA).

Characteristics

‘Triostar’ is also sometimes called ‘Tricolor’, and both names derive from the color combination on the leaves. The tops of the leaves are variegated white and green, while the undersides are a brilliant reddish-pink. This color scheme makes ‘Triostar’ a contemporary alternative for people wishing to give potted plants during the holidays.

Requirements and Care

Many garden centers market ‘Triostar’ as a houseplant, though it can work in perennial beds in the warmer regions of the state. In North Florida, it can be grown outdoors as an annual.

If you plan to grow ‘Triostar’ outdoors, be sure to pick a shady location. Too much sun will cause the leaves to sunburn, resulting in unsightly brown splotches.

Indoors or out, the key is to give ‘Triostar’ the high humidity it craves. If you’re keeping the plant indoors, try misting it or keeping it in a humid location like a bathroom. Be sure to water regularly, though try to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

When mature, ‘Triostar’ can reach two to three feet tall and one to two feet wide.

For more information, contact your county Extension office.

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