Stromanthe thalia is part of the Marantaceae family and its native range is Brazil (Bahia to Paraná) where it grows in the Atlantic pluvial forest. Stromanthe thalia has a short erect stem which is hidden by the basal leaves.
‘Triostar’ is a cultivar with oblong-ovate leaves with entire margins and a pointed apex, they are green with wine and white coloured variegation.
Genus name comes from the Greek stroma meaning layer, and anthos meaning flower, this is in reference to the bract that contains the flowers. Thalia is in honor of Johannes Thal (German physician) who is considered the pioneer of botany in Germany.
Pot: 14cm diameter.
Height: Approximately 40cm from base of pot.
Light: Even if this plant doesn’t see the sun but receives indirect light all day, it will put out new growth, however, for optimum growth and pronounced variegation, provide this plant with bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain.
Water: Given adequate light, keep the potting mix evenly moist. If the soil dries out too much, the plant will become limp, aerate the mix with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes. Over the next day or so, the leaves will perk up.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, a little bit of orchid bark and worm castings. Adding a small amount of sphagnum moss will help to retain moisture in the mix.
Temperature: 15-23°C.
Humidity: Stromanthe prefer higher humidity (over 60%. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Stromanthe is non-toxic.