Stromanthe

Family Marantaceae. Native to the tropical Americas. There are 15 species in nature. Stromanthe is often confused with Calathea and even Ctenanthe. In fact, some botanists do not recognize Stromanthe as a separate genus and do not distinguish it from Calathea.

In cultivation the Stromanthe blood-red - Stromanthe sanguinea is common — a tall plant up to 1 m in height, with leaves about 20-30 cm long, narrowly ovate or lanceolate in shape. Its cultivars differ slightly in leaf coloration. In some, the upper surface has wide light stripes and spots, in others only a light stripe along the midrib, but in all the lower leaf surface and petioles are purple-red.



Temperature: Stromanthe is warmth-loving. In summer the optimum is 20-30°C, in winter 18-20°C. The minimum at any time of year is 18°C; it does not tolerate drafts or sharp temperature fluctuations. In winter plants should not be placed close to window glass and one should beware of cold air from unsealed frames.

Light: Bright diffused light or light partial shade; in very bright light or in too dark a place the leaf coloration is lost. Stromanthe is shade-tolerant but not shade-loving. Most species with variegated three-colored leaves require more intense lighting.

Watering: Abundant, moderate in winter. Water only with soft, warm water.

Fertilizer: From May to August feed Stromanthe with a liquid complete fertilizer for indoor ornamental-leaved plants every two weeks, using half the recommended dose. The plant is sensitive to excess or over-fertilization.

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