Green Valley Botanical Garden, panaveli, Kottarakkara : Triostar

It is a common houseplant in temperate climates for its striking variegated leaves and purple underside of its leaves. It can grow outside in a humid tropical climate, but needs light shade in the afternoon and must be protected from high winds. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but never waterlogged as they are susceptible to root rot. The distinctive variegation is lost when the plant is under full shade as the leaves become solid green. Under ideal growing conditions, Stromanthe sanguinea/ Triostar will reach between 4-6 feet tall in about a year after emerging from its rhizome. Propagation can be from either seeds or rhizome division, but it is fastest and more reliable to take rhizome cuttings.