Stromanthe

Stromanthe plants and species including Stromanthe sanguinea ‘Tricolor’

Stromanthe are grown for their colorful foliage and prefer part shade and Stomanthe sanguinea is one of the more widely cultivated. Most cultivars present foliage with variegations of the same color, so a deeper green with a lighter green stripe or vein or similar. However with an underside color in the deep bronze to reds.

Grown as a foliage plant the flowers theme selves are insignificant however they do present wrapped in brighter colored bracts usually red, these appear as red spikes and add a dramatic effect in early summer. Cultivars such as Stomanthe sanguinea ‘Triostar’ present with three tone foliage, deep green, a lighter green and a deep red, also referred to as Stromanthe ‘Tricolor’.

Care

These are really a tropical to sub tropical plant however are widely grown on patios and warmer positions in cooler areas. In nature they are an under story plant and as such prefer a filtered light rather than direct sun. If growing in the ground ensure a humus rich moist soil, a sheltered position away from hot drying winds is essential.

Watering is essential especially from spring when the weather warms up through to autumn, watering needs to be decreased or stopped in winter. In cooler climate some extra humidity from spring through summer is beneficial.

Fertilize with a general purpose slow release fertilizer in spring and a liquid seaweed fertilizer every 3 – 4 weeks through the growing period.

Stromanthe do well in pots and can be grown indoors. Look for Stromanthe sanguinea with its red, green and cream foliage.

Available from the following growers