Moderate Tropical Safe for pets

Tricolor Stromanthe

Stromanthe thalia

A striking prayer plant known for its vibrant tricolored foliage in shades of green, cream, and pink.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

65–85 %
Temperature

18–27 °C

How to care for your Tricolor Stromanthe

Everything you need to keep your Tricolor Stromanthe healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The Tricolor Stromanthe is a show-stopping plant that demands attention with its painterly leaves. Each leaf is a masterpiece, displaying variegation in shades of dark green, cream, and rosy pink on the upper surface, beautifully complemented by a bold magenta underside. This plant performs 'nyctinasty,' with its leaves folding up at night. It thrives in high humidity and consistent warmth, making it an exquisite addition to any collection.

Watering your Tricolor Stromanthe

Every 7 days

Keep soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged; use distilled or rainwater.

How to know it needs water

topsoil feels barely damp
leaves may start to curl

How much light a Tricolor Stromanthe needs

Bright indirect light

bright indirect

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 1 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, North-west

Humidity and misting

65–85 %

high Requires high humidity; mist daily, use a humidifier, or place near a pebble tray.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Feed monthly during growing season (spring to early fall); reduce in winter.

Recommended feed: diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer · 3-1-2

Repotting your Tricolor Stromanthe

Every 24 months

Repot into a slightly larger pot with a rich, well-draining potting mix.

When: spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

roots filling the pot
soil drainage issues

Pruning your Tricolor Stromanthe

as needed Remove any browning or yellowing leaves at their base to encourage new growth.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 9 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

Its leaves are a stunning mix of green, cream, and pink on top, with a vibrant magenta underside.
Like Calatheas, it exhibits diurnal leaf movement, often called 'prayer plant' behavior.

Frequently asked questions about the Tricolor Stromanthe

How do you care for a Tricolor Stromanthe?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 65–85 %. Ideal temperature: 18–27 °C. Keep soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged; use distilled or rainwater.

How often should you water a Tricolor Stromanthe?

Every 7 days Keep soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged; use distilled or rainwater. How to know it needs water : topsoil feels barely damp ; leaves may start to curl.

How much light does a Tricolor Stromanthe need?

Bright indirect light bright indirect 0 to 1 h a day

Is the Tricolor Stromanthe toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Tricolor Stromanthe is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Tricolor Stromanthe leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Tricolor Stromanthe?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger pot with a rich, well-draining potting mix.