Aglaonema and Stromanthe Triostar are two very different types of plants with their own characteristics. This article explores the similarities and differences between aglaonemas and Stromanthes in order to give you a better understanding of these lovely green friends.
Stromanthe Triostar Plants have tri-colored leaves, while Aglaonemas tend to have leaves with two colors. Aglaonemas may reach a maximum height of 18 inches, while Stromanthe plants can grow up to 3ft. Both species have long roots and they usually have three or more leaves attached at one point at the base of the stalk.
While these properties might sound a bit abstract, we got you covered. So keep on reading and you will learn the basics about these two lovely plants, including how to take care of them, what colors they come, how to propagate them and much more.
But first, let’s have a look at the details of each species:
Family and Main Characteristics
Aglaonemas are part of the Araceae family and they come from hot and humid places like Asia and New Guinea. This species is also known as Chinese Evergreen due to how its leaves have a shiny surface that makes them look like emeralds or jade.
There are hundreds of different Aglaonema varieties based on color, shape and size. For example, some aglaonemas have long stalks, while others are very compact and small. Colors for Aglaonema plants can range from dark green with silver spots to yellow, pink, red or white.
Stromanthe Triostars are native to South America, but they now grow all across the world in climates with moderate to warm temperatures. Stromanthes belong to the Marantaceae family, which includes other popular species like Calatheas or Maranta Leuconeura. Stromanthe Triostar Plants are also known as Tricolor Prayer Plants due to their distinctive leaves that have three different colors, usually dark green, red and white.
It’s worth mentioning that Prayer plants receive this name because their leaves fold during the night as if they were praying. Their circadian rhythm causes this.
Differences between Aglaonema and Stromanthe Triostar
Foliage
Leaf color and shape are the essential differentiating factors between Aglaonemas and Stromanthe Triostar Plants. The latter has a distinct three-colored leaf that distinguishes them from other plants. In addition, Aglaonemas have a shiny surface and their leaves are more rounded than those of the Stromanthe Triostar.
Size
Aglaonema plants are smaller in size than Stromanthe Triostar. Aglaonemas usually grow to an average height (from the soil to the highest point of the Aglaonema plant) of 16 inches but can get taller when provided with favorable conditions. On the other side, Stromanthe Triostar plants can grow up to 3 ft.
Flowers
Another important difference between these two species is their flowers. The Aglaonema produces flowers with a spadix and, occasionally, a green or colorful spathe. On the other hand, Stromanthe may produce white or pink flowers within orange tube-shaped bracts in the winter and early spring.
Growth Habit
While aglaonemas remain compact, Stromanthe Triostars tend to grow longer and take more space. As a result, the Aglaonema is usually smaller and will sit nicely on your desk or window-sill without taking too much space.
Similarities between Aglaonema and Stromanthe Triostar
Origin
Aglaonemas and Stromanthe Triostar plants come from areas with warm to moderate temperatures and humid climates. Their natural habitat is Asian and South American rainforests and they usually grow in shaded spots or along riverbanks.
These plants will be happy with you as long as you provide them with the following:
Growing Requirements
Both Aglaonemas and Stromanthe Triostar plants have similar growing requirements. They are considered to be beginner-friendly, so you don’t need to worry about killing them.
You just need to pay attention and provide the following:
Watering
These plants should be watered regularly, but be mindful and do not to over-water them. Thye key here is to ensure the soil has dried out before you provide Aglaonemas or Stromanthe plants with a new watering round.
Light and Shading
Both Aglaonema plants and Stromanthe Triostar plants prefer indirect light, so if your house is dark, that it might be a bit of a challenge to keep them healthy. Avoid exposing the plants to direct sunlight at all costs since it can cause leaves to dry out and these plants can burn easily, which is why you should place them in a spot that gets plenty of shade.
Soil
You can grow aglaonemas and stromanthe triostar plants in regular potting soil. But if you want to be sure that your plants will remain healthy, use a special type of mix designed for tropical plants. Just double-check the pH levels are around 5.5 to 7.
Repotting
Both aglaonemas and stromanthe triostar plants like to be slightly pot-bound, so make sure they remain in the same pot for as long as possible. When you repot them into a bigger container, we suggest not going beyond 10-15 cm larger than the original pot size.
Humidity
Both Aglaonemas and Stromanthe Triostars need plenty of humidity to survive, especially during the winter months when the air tends to be drier. You can increase humidity levels by misting them regularly with water, like every once or twice a week, depending on how much your home tends to get humid. If you keep your Aglaonema and Stromanthe Triostar plants together, you can also benefit from each plant releasing water vapors that will help the other one survive.
Fertilizer Requirements
Aglaonemas and Stromanthe Triostar plants should be fertilized once a month with a special fertilizer suitable for tropical plants. If you forget to fertilize your plants, you won’t have to worry too much as these plants are resilient enough to survive even without being fed.
Pruning
When it comes to pruning Aglaonema and Stromanthe Triostar plants, you should cut off faded or yellow leaves to keep them healthy and thriving. If the Aglaonema plant becomes too tall for your liking, just use a pair of shears to remove the top portion and allow it to grow again.
Pest Prevention
Both Aglaonemas and Stromanthe Triostar plants are attractive to many pests, so you need to be on the lookout if you want to prevent mites, mealybugs or scale from taking over your plants. To keep these plants pest-free, you can use a soapy water solution to clean and make them less inviting for pests.
Propagation
You can propagate Aglaonema and Stromanthe Triostar plants by taking cuttings from leaves or leaves, but it’s recommended you don’t do this unless the Aglaonema Plant is especially big or growing too tall.
Alternatively, you can propagate them by division. Remove the plant from the container or ground and set it on a table or patio to separate it. Using a large knife, cut the plant at the base, cutting through both root systems.
Over to You
Now that you’ve seen the similarities and differences between Aglaonema plants and Stromanthe Triostar plants, it should be easier to choose which one is right for your home. If you want a plant with variegated leaves or green foliage, then aglaonemas are perfect for you.
On the other hand, if you love tropical houseplants with purple-colored flowers on tall stems, then Stromanthe Triostars might just be what you need. Make sure to consider how much light your aglaonema or stromanthe triostar will receive before making any final decisions about them in order to keep both of these beautiful plants healthy at all times.
