Help! Why Are My Stromanthe Triostar's Leaves Curling?
The Stromanthe Triostar, or Magenta Triostar, is a gorgeous, multi-hued member of the prayer plant family. With colorful leaves that almost seem to be watercolor-painted, the Triostar is a gorgeous plant for tabletops and a popular centerpiece. But due to its prayer plant status, it can also require a bit of extra care. This plant family loves humidity reminiscent of their tropical origins, and their leaves can show stress when they’re not receiving the moisture they need. Read on to learn more about how to combat curling leaves on your Magenta Triostar.
Underwatering
This plant likes its soil to maintain consistent moisture. This can be tricky as the seasons change, and drafts from appliances like heaters and AC units can affect the rate at which your Triostar’s water is used by the plant. Plan on watering your Triostar as soon as its top 1-2 inches of soil begin to feel dry, and in the event that the Triostar’s soil dries out entirely, water your Triostar from the bottom by removing the plant (still in its plastic pot) from its ceramic pot. Place it in a deep dish of water. Your Triostar will pull the water up through its roots and take what it needs- nothing more.
Insufficient Humidity
It’s great to get in a misting routine with any prayer plant, as it helps to mimic their tropical origins. Mist your Triostar 2-3 times a week, and ensure that your plant is not in the direct path of anything that emits gusts of dry air: heaters, AC units, or windows or doors that are frequently opened and closed.
Water Quality
Prayer Plants like the Magenta Triostar are a bit more picky than other plant varieties as it pertains to the quality of water they receive. Some of the minerals found commonly in tap water, like chlorine, fluoride and hard salts, can cause a particularly discerning prayer plant to become stressed. If you’ve tried everything else and your Triostar is still exhibiting curling leaves, consider leaving a bowl of water out overnight. The oxygenation it undergoes will eradicate some of those minerals. You can then pour the water into your watering can, and water as usual.