Stromanthe sanguinea

Stromanthe sanguinea
Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar'
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Stromanthe
Species:
S. sanguinea
Binomial name
Stromanthe sanguinea

Stromanthe sanguinea is a plant species in the arrowroot family Marantaceae, native to the Brazilian rainforest.[1]

It is a common houseplant in temperate climates, valued for its striking variegated leaves with purple undersides. It can grow outside in a humid tropical climate, but needs light shade in the afternoon and must be protected from high winds.[2]

The soil should be kept moist at all times, but never waterlogged as the plant is susceptible to root rot.[3]

Hummingbirds and bees are the main pollinators.

Under ideal growing conditions, Stromanthe sanguinea will reach 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) tall in about a year after emerging from its rhizome.[1] Propagation can be from either seeds or rhizome division, but it is faster and more reliable to take rhizome cuttings.

The Latin specific epithet sanguinea means “blood-red.[4]

Stromanthe sanguinea has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[5]

  1. ^ a b "Stromanthe sanguinea "Tricolor"".
  2. ^ "Stromanthe Plant Care: How To Grow A Stromanthe Triostar Plant".
  3. ^ "Triostar".
  4. ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 184533731X.
  5. ^ "Stromanthe sanguinea". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 5 March 2021.