Stromanthe sanguinea | |
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Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Zingiberales |
Family: | Marantaceae |
Genus: | Stromanthe |
Species: | S. sanguinea
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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]