Triostar Prayer Plant

Triostar Prayer Plant (Stromanthe thalia 'Triostar', still widely sold as Stromanthe sanguinea) is one of the boldest variegated foliage plants you can grow indoors. Each leaf is streaked cream, white and green on top and deep pink underneath, and the plant lifts its leaves at dusk to show that pink. It makes a clump about 80cm tall and 60cm wide, and it is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Three colours in one leaf. Cream, white and green above, raspberry pink below, so the plant reads as flowering even though the blooms are insignificant.
• It moves. Leaves fold upright at night and lower through the day, which is where the prayer plant name comes from.
• Pet friendly. Safe around cats and dogs, which narrows the field considerably for a plant with this much colour.
• Full without being large. At 80cm by 60cm it fills a corner or a plant stand, and it suits humid rooms most indoor plants dislike.

Where it works best

Indoors. This is where it belongs in most of the country. A bright spot out of direct sun, ideally a room that holds some humidity, keeps the variegation strong.

Pots and containers. A 250mm or 300mm pot suits a clump for two or three years. Use a pot with drainage and empty the saucer after watering.

Balconies and courtyards. A sheltered shaded courtyard works over summer in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Bring it in before cold nights.

Growing Triostar Prayer Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light. Direct sun scorches the pale sections of the leaf within days, and deep shade fades the variegation toward green. Frost tender in every state, so treat it as an indoor plant outside the tropics and subtropics.

Soil. A quality indoor mix that holds moisture but drains freely. Adding coir or perlite gives the balance it wants, since it dislikes both drying out and sitting wet.

Water and feed. Keep the mix evenly moist, watering when the top 2cm feels dry, and ease back over winter. It is sensitive to salts and chlorine, so use rain water or let tap water stand overnight. Half strength liquid fertiliser monthly in spring and summer is plenty.

Grooming. Cut crisped leaves off at the base, divide a congested clump in spring, and raise humidity with a pebble tray.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in three sizes: 200mm pots in packs of six, 250mm pots in packs of three, and single 300mm plants. The 300mm is the one to choose for a decorative pot, since it arrives as a full clump. The packs suit several rooms, a shaded courtyard or a commercial fit out. The 200mm pack often runs on backorder.

Expect some leaf curl and crisped edges after transit, which is normal for a humidity loving plant in a box. Water on arrival, keep it out of direct sun, and give it a fortnight before repotting. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Pet friendly plants for the home
• Browse indoor plants safe around pets
• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• The wider indoor plant range

Common questions

Is it really safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Stromanthe is not toxic to cats or dogs, so a chewed leaf is a problem for the plant rather than the pet. It is one of the few boldly variegated indoor plants that qualifies.

Why do the leaf edges go brown and crisp?

Dry air is the usual cause, with salt build up from tap water a close second. Move it away from air conditioning, water with rain water, and flush the pot through every few months.

Why do the leaves fold up at night?

It is a natural daily rhythm shared by the whole prayer plant family. Leaves that stay folded during the day are a sign of thirst or too much light, so check the mix first.