A tricolour upper surface
Each leaf distributes green, cream and pink differently, so no blade precisely repeats the previous one.
11
Stromanthe 'triostar' 14cm
Normal price
€15,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Stromanthethalia‘Triostar’
Three colours on the leaf and a pink surprise underneath 🎨
- Marantaceae
- Green, cream and pink
- Burgundy undersides
- Moving leaves
- Rhizomatous tropical clump
Stromanthe thalia ‘Triostar’ opens long spear-shaped leaves painted with irregular green, cream and pink zones, while the reverse remains deep pink-burgundy. As leaves change angle through the day, the two surfaces alternate and the crown seems to change palette.
Each leaf of Stromanthe thalia ‘Triostar’ acts as a two-sided colour surface: painted green and cream when open, warm pink-burgundy as it changes angle.
What makes it special
‘Triostar’ relies not on one colour but on the constant interplay of pattern, leaf reverse and movement.
A pink-burgundy reverse
The vivid underside appears along curves, on folded new blades and whenever the crown lifts.
Leaves that change posture
Swollen joints at the blade base alter cell pressure and allow small daily movements.
Why you’ll love it: it is colour in motion: every new blade adds a different pattern and every angle reveals the pink reverse.
In your space Placement & plant pairings Where it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
In a bright position with filtered light, away from radiators and draughts, so both the painted upper surface and pink-burgundy leaf backs can be appreciated.
Plants that complement it
Choices with compatible light needs and contrasting textures keep the arrangement balanced.
- Goeppertia orbifolia — broad silver bands with the same preference for humidity.
- Ctenanthe burle-marxii — fishbone pattern in a lower, more horizontal crown.
- Maranta leuconeura — painted veins and daily movement on a trailing line.
Care at a glance
Light
Bright, filtered light without harsh direct sun. Good light supports the cream and pink pattern.
Water
When the upper 2–3 cm are dry. Maintain even light moisture, but never saturated mix or standing water.
Atmosphere
Higher humidity with airflow and roughly 18–27°C. Avoid radiators, air conditioning and cold draughts.
Pets
Generally considered low risk for cats and dogs, but it is not food and chewing may still cause discomfort.
Chosen for this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed care Complete care guide Light, watering, humidity, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and position
Provide plentiful diffused light. Strong sun fades and scorches pale sectors, while low light reduces contrast in new growth.
Correct watering
Check often without watering mechanically. When the upper 2–3 cm dry, wet evenly and drain fully. Soft water helps where tap water is high in salts.
Air humidity
Aim for consistently higher humidity without keeping leaves continuously wet. A humidifier and gentle airflow are more effective than occasional misting.
Temperature
Maintain a stable roughly 18–27°C. Sudden drops, cold glass and dry heat can curl edges and delay leaf unfurling.
Substrate
Greenleaf Plant Search maps Stromanthe to Sybasoil Calathea Mix. The mix holds even moisture while remaining airy when the pot has open drainage holes.
Nutrition and repotting
During active growth use Liquid Gold Leaf at the label rate on already moist mix, less frequently than for fast aroids. Repot only when roots fill the pot.
Botanical identity Origin of the cultivar The species’ range and the history of the cultivated selection
The accepted Stromanthe thalia
The accepted species is Stromanthe thalia in Marantaceae. The older Stromanthe sanguinea is treated as its synonym.
The cultivar ‘Triostar’
RHS lists Stromanthe sanguinea ‘Triostar’ with plant breeders’ rights and gives ‘Tricolour’ as a horticultural synonym. The modern spelling transfers the same selection to Stromanthe thalia.
From Brazil
Wild Stromanthe thalia is native to Brazil, from Bahia to Paraná, and grows in wet tropical habitat.
From natural habitat to care: Origins in wet tropical understorey explain the preference for filtered light, steady atmospheric humidity and evenly moist yet airy mix. Wet forest does not mean roots submerged in standing water.
Greenleaf for Plant Nerds Scientific facts nobody asked for Botanical details for anyone curious about the plant behind the foliage
The pulvinus moves the leaf
A swollen joint called a pulvinus sits at the blade base. Ion and water movement between opposing sides changes turgor and leaf angle.
The movement is nyctinasty
The daily posture change is guided by an internal circadian clock and light signals, not by rapid petiole growth.
Variegation changes photosynthetic area
Cream and strongly pink areas contain less chlorophyll. The green part of each leaf carries more of the sugar-production load.
Anthocyanins colour the underside
Red and purple anthocyanins absorb particular wavelengths and create the burgundy underside. This is not a deficiency or disease signal.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about growth and the plant’s most common signals.
01 Why do the leaves fold or lift at night?
This is normal nyctinastic movement in Marantaceae. If they remain tightly rolled all day, check roots, air humidity, temperature and harsh sun.
02 Why are the edges turning brown?
Common causes include low air humidity, irregular watering, high dissolved salts or harsh sun. Check all factors before increasing water.
03 What do leaves rolled all day mean?
They may indicate a dry root zone, low humidity, cold or intense light. Check mix and environment; normal evening lifting is different.
04 Does it need misting?
Occasional misting changes humidity only briefly. A humidifier, grouping and steady gentle airflow are more effective without keeping leaves wet.
05 When should it be repotted?
When roots and rhizomes have substantially filled the pot or water moves through unevenly. Move up one size only and retain an airy, evenly moisture-retentive mix.
06 Is it safe for cats and dogs?
It is generally considered low risk, but no ornamental plant is intended for eating. Chewing can still cause mechanical irritation or stomach upset.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.