What are the key points of the cultivation method for Stromanthe sanguinea?
Stromanthe sanguinea is a foliage plant with relatively large leaves, dark green color and a unique shape. It is often used to decorate bedrooms, living rooms, offices and other places, giving a solemn and serious impression. Nowadays more and more friends are growing Stromanthe sanguinea in pots. Let us take a look together at the introduction to the key points of the cultivation method for Stromanthe sanguinea.
1. Fertilizer
During the growing period of Stromanthe sanguinea, we may consider applying some nitrogen fertilizer to the plant, as this can also make the color of the leaves more beautiful. Of course, the best time to spray is before 8 a.m. when the dew has not yet dried, or in the evening after the sun has set. The interval is roughly once every 15 days; after 3 consecutive sprays, stop once, then continue spraying. Pay special attention that the fertilizer concentration should not be too high, otherwise it easily causes leaf burn and fertilizer damage.
2. Watering
From March to October is the peak growing season for Stromanthe sanguinea, so at this time we need to maintain the air humidity for plant growth, since only a high-humidity environment is favorable for the leaves of the plant to unfold. The best watering method is to spray the leaf surface in the early morning and water the whole plant in the evening.
Stromanthe sanguinea is not tolerant of drought and has a relatively large water requirement. During the growing season it must be given sufficient water to keep the potting soil constantly moist, but note that the potting soil should not be allowed to become waterlogged, so as to avoid root rot. When the temperature is relatively high and the air is dry in summer and autumn, frequently spray water on the leaf surface and the surroundings to maintain relatively high air humidity. After late autumn, when the temperature is relatively low, the amount of watering should be controlled, and keeping the potting soil slightly moist is sufficient.
3. Potting soil
For the potting soil for growing Stromanthe sanguinea, choose one that is loose, breathable and well-draining; the potting soil must absolutely not be allowed to compact or become waterlogged. Here I suggest using more fertile humus soil and a porous coarse medium as the substrate. So my usual formula is: loose leaf mold plus perlite (at a ratio of roughly half and half), with a small amount of base fertilizer added, mixed together.
4. Light and temperature
Stromanthe sanguinea likes a hot, humid and semi-shaded environment. The suitable growing temperature is 20-30°C, and the safe overwintering temperature is 10°C. In summer, guard against high temperatures; in winter, guard against the cold. Stromanthe sanguinea dislikes direct sunlight and grows better under indirect radiation or diffused light. Otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and lose their luster. Especially in summer, shade is needed, but it should not be placed in a dark and poorly ventilated place for a long time either, so as to avoid the leaves turning yellow and falling off.
5. Cultivation taboos
Stromanthe sanguinea is an excellent indoor shade-loving foliage plant. In the hot summer, prevent exposure to the sun and shade out 70%-80% of the light, otherwise damage easily occurs. If the air humidity is low and the potting soil is dry, the leaf edges will turn yellow and scorch; in addition, direct sunlight will also cause the leaf edges to turn yellow and scorch.
6. Propagation methods
The propagation methods for Stromanthe sanguinea are mainly division propagation and cutting propagation.
7. Pests and diseases
The common pests and diseases of Stromanthe sanguinea mainly include southern blight, leaf spot disease, scale insects, red spider mites and other damage.