Calathea Triostar (Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar') – Detailed Description

Although commonly sold as Calathea Triostar, this beautiful houseplant is botanically known as Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar'. Closely related to Calatheas and other prayer plants, it belongs to the Marantaceae family and shares many of the same care requirements, including a love of warmth, humidity and indirect light.

Calathea Triostar is prized for its spectacular variegated foliage, featuring long, lance-shaped leaves splashed with vibrant shades of green, creamy white and blush pink. The undersides of the leaves are a rich burgundy-purple, creating a striking contrast as the foliage gently moves throughout the day. No two leaves are identical, making every plant a unique living work of art.

Like other prayer plants, Triostar displays a fascinating daily movement known as nyctinasty. The leaves lift upwards during the evening, revealing their colourful undersides, before lowering again with the morning light.

Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, Triostar naturally grows beneath the rainforest canopy, where it enjoys filtered light, warm temperatures and consistently high humidity. Indoors, it makes a spectacular feature plant for living rooms, bedrooms, offices or bathrooms, bringing colour and texture to modern interiors.

Given the right conditions, Calathea Triostar develops into a lush, upright plant reaching around 60–90cm tall and 50–70cm wide, providing year-round interest with its ever-changing foliage.

Calathea Triostar Care Guide

Light

Calathea Triostar thrives in bright, indirect light.

Position it near an east or north-facing window, or slightly back from a bright south or west-facing window where sunlight is filtered.

Bright indirect light helps maintain the vibrant pink, cream and green variegation.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, fade the colours and cause brown edges.

Low light is tolerated but may reduce variegation and slow growth.

Best location: Bright room with filtered light.

Watering

Keep the compost consistently lightly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged.

Water thoroughly when the top 2–3cm of compost begins to dry, ensuring excess water drains away freely.

Never allow the soil to dry out completely, as this can cause curling leaves and crispy edges.

Reduce watering slightly during autumn and winter while maintaining lightly moist soil.

For the healthiest foliage, use rainwater, filtered water or distilled water whenever possible, as Triostar can be sensitive to minerals and chlorine found in tap water.

Humidity

High humidity is essential for keeping the foliage colourful and healthy.

Aim for humidity levels above 60%, with 70% or higher being ideal.

To increase humidity:

• Use a humidifier.

• Group plants together.

• Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (without the pot sitting directly in the water).

• Grow it in naturally humid rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Dry air is one of the main causes of brown leaf edges and faded foliage.

Temperature

Calathea Triostar prefers temperatures between 18°C and 27°C.

Avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cold conditions can damage the foliage.

Keep away from:

• Cold draughts

• Radiators

• Air conditioning units

• Sudden temperature fluctuations

Warm, stable conditions will encourage healthy, continuous growth.

Soil

Use a well-draining yet moisture-retentive compost.

An ideal mix contains:

• Houseplant compost

• Coco coir or peat-free compost

• Perlite

• Fine orchid bark

This combination helps retain moisture while providing good airflow around the roots.

Feeding

Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength.

Avoid excessive fertiliser, as Triostar is sensitive to salt build-up.

Do not feed during autumn and winter when growth slows naturally.

Growth

Calathea Triostar is a moderate grower under ideal conditions.

Mature plants typically reach:

• Height: 60–90cm

• Spread: 50–70cm

New leaves emerge tightly rolled before unfurling to reveal their vibrant variegation.

Each new leaf develops its own unique pattern of green, cream and pink.

Repotting

Repot every 2–3 years, or when roots begin growing through the drainage holes.

Spring is the best time to repot.

Choose a pot only one size larger than the existing one to avoid excessive moisture retention.

Refresh the compost to replenish nutrients and improve drainage.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required.

Remove:

• Yellow or ageing leaves

• Brown or damaged foliage

• Dead stems at the base

Use clean, sharp scissors to minimise stress on the plant.

Propagation

Calathea Triostar is best propagated by division.

When repotting:

• Carefully remove the plant from its pot.

• Divide healthy clumps that have their own roots.

• Plant each division into fresh compost.

• Water well and keep warm and humid until new growth appears.

Division is the easiest and most successful propagation method.

Common Problems

Brown Leaf Edges

Usually caused by:

• Low humidity

• Dry indoor air

• Hard tap water

• Underwatering

Increase humidity and switch to filtered or rainwater if necessary.

Yellow Leaves

Most commonly caused by:

• Overwatering

• Poor drainage

• Waterlogged compost

Allow the top layer of compost to dry slightly before watering again.

Curling Leaves

Usually indicates:

• Dry compost

• Low humidity

• Cold temperatures

Check watering, humidity levels and room temperature.

Faded Variegation

Often caused by insufficient light or excessive direct sunlight.

Provide bright, indirect light for the strongest colour.

Drooping Leaves

Some daily movement is completely normal as part of the plant's prayer movement.

Persistent drooping may indicate inconsistent watering, root problems or temperature stress.

Toxicity

Calathea Triostar is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe and colourful addition to pet-friendly homes.

Why Choose Calathea Triostar?

Calathea Triostar is one of the most colourful and distinctive foliage houseplants available. Its stunning blend of green, cream, pink and burgundy creates a vibrant tropical display that brightens any indoor space. Combined with its fascinating daily leaf movements and pet-friendly nature, it is an excellent choice for both experienced plant enthusiasts and those looking to add a striking statement plant to their home. With bright, indirect light, consistent moisture and plenty of humidity, Calathea Triostar will reward you with beautiful foliage throughout the year.