How to grow Stromanthe sanguinea so it thrives and fills its pot? A detailed guide to care methods
Keeping a highly ornamental green plant indoors seems to have become a habit for many people, and the foliage plant Stromanthe sanguinea is a good choice.If you want your Stromanthe sanguinea to thrive and fill its pot, then you must know these care methods!
1. An introduction to Stromanthe sanguinea
1. Origin and habits of Stromanthe sanguinea
Stromanthe sanguinea is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Central America and Brazil, also known as red-backed Stromanthe, red-backed Calathea, red-backed Maranta and so on, and it is currently cultivated in the southern provinces and regions of China. Stromanthe sanguinea is a plant that likes warm, humid and shady environments, with an optimum growing temperature between 20-30 degrees. It is not drought-tolerant but is heat-tolerant, and generally can overwinter safely above 5 degrees. It likes loose, fertile, moist and well-drained acidic soil.
2. Feng shui symbolism of Stromanthe sanguinea
Stromanthe sanguinea stays green all year round and has a tall, upright form, symbolizing wealth, vitality and vigor. Whether placed at home or in the office, it can bring good luck.
3. Value of Stromanthe sanguinea
Besides being ornamental, Stromanthe sanguinea can also be used as a plant for landscaping, potted cut foliage and indoor arrangements. In addition, the starch contained in its rhizomes is edible, and eating it has effects such as clearing lung heat and promoting urination.
2. Care methods for Stromanthe sanguinea
The care and management of green plants cannot be separated from temperature, light, water and fertilizer, and pests and diseases, so if you want the Stromanthe sanguinea you grow to thrive and fill its pot, getting the following points right is basically all it takes.
1. Appropriate light and temperature
As a shade plant born in the tropics and subtropics, it cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. In summer it should be moved to a cool place, or shade treatment should be done; when the light is strong in other seasons, appropriate shading should also be provided. When growing Stromanthe sanguinea, keep the temperature at 18-21°C during the day and 16-18 degrees at night, and the safe overwintering temperature is 10 degrees.
2. Water and fertilizer for Stromanthe sanguinea should be moderate
Stromanthe sanguinea is not drought-tolerant and needs more water. Generally, in spring and autumn, water once every 4-5 days; in summer when temperatures are high, water once every 1-2 days; in winter, pay attention to controlling water and just keep the soil slightly moist so that it can overwinter safely. During the growing season of Stromanthe sanguinea, apply liquid fertilizer 1—2 times a month to ensure robust growth and lush branches and leaves. As Stromanthe sanguinea is a foliage plant, appropriately increasing nitrogen fertilizer can make the leaf color more beautiful. But note that the amount of fertilizer must not be too large. Stop fertilizing in winter and during high summer temperatures to avoid fertilizer damage.
3. Pest and disease control for Stromanthe sanguinea should be timely
The pests and diseases that harm Stromanthe sanguinea include scale insects, red spider mites, southern blight and leaf spot, among others. During periods when pests and diseases are prevalent, prevention and control should be done in advance by spraying the corresponding agents; branches and leaves that have already become diseased should be appropriately removed.
Although Stromanthe sanguinea is rather “delicate”, paying attention to these points basically means there will not be any problems.