Stromanthe spp.

stromanthe

Marantaceae Tropical Central and South America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Stromanthe spp. is a genus of about 13 evergreen perennials in the arrowroot family (Marantaceae), native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Plants form clumps 12-30 inches (30-75 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide from spreading rhizomes. The lance-shaped leaves are 6-16 inches (15-40 cm) long on long stalks, glossy deep green above and rich maroon-purple beneath, with some forms, such as S. thalia 'Triostar', streaked in cream, pink, and green. Like other prayer plants the leaves fold upward at night and lower by day, moving on a swollen joint at the leaf base. Mature plants in bright conditions may produce branched flower clusters with red bracts and small white flowers, though flowering is uncommon in cultivation. The genus needs warmth, high humidity, and steady moisture, and the foliage browns at the edges in dry air, cold drafts, or hard or fluoride-rich water. It does not tolerate frost and is grown indoors or under glass in temperate regions.

Native Range

Native to tropical Central and South America, with the greatest diversity in the Atlantic and Amazon rainforests of Brazil. Plants grow on the shaded, humid forest floor and along streambanks in warm, frost-free climates.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a houseplant, in terrariums, and in shaded, frost-free tropical gardens, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart outdoors. The two-toned and variegated foliage suits warm, humid rooms, bathrooms, and grouped indoor plantings. It also grows in containers on shaded patios that are brought indoors before frost.

How to Identify

Identified by lance-shaped leaves that are deep green above and maroon-purple beneath, carried on long stalks and folding upward at night on a swollen joint at the leaf base. Variegated forms add cream and pink streaking to the upper surface. The strongly two-colored leaves and nocturnal folding separate Stromanthe spp. from the related Calathea spp. and Maranta spp., though the maroon undersides and red-bracted flower clusters are the clearest cues.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'6"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Winter

Flowering is uncommon indoors and most likely in mature plants grown in bright, humid, warm conditions. When it occurs, branched clusters of red to pink bracts hold small white flowers, mainly in winter to spring in the plants native range. The bracts last longer than the short-lived flowers.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white with red bracts

Foliage Description

deep green above, maroon-purple beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

peat loam

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in bright indirect light, out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves, in a moist, well-drained, peat-based mix with a pH from 5.5 to 6.5. Warmth between 65 and 80 F (18 and 27 C) and high humidity are needed, and the plant suffers below about 55 F (13 C). The soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, and the foliage browns at the edges in dry air, cold drafts, or hard or fluoride-rich water; filtered or rainwater limits leaf-tip burn. Light feeding through the growing season supports the foliage. Spider mites appear in dry indoor air. The leaves fold and dull when the plant is too dry or too cold.

Pruning

Pruning is limited to removing dead, damaged, or browned leaves at the base as they age. No shaping is needed, and the clump rebuilds from the rhizome. Crowded clumps can be divided in spring to renew them and limit size.

Pruning Schedule

early spring