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My stromanthe triostar has been doing great, however, recently I… | Prayer Plant Allies | Planta community

Plant Dad

My stromanthe triostar has been doing great, however, recently I noticed that the leaves are pointing further down than usual; Almost kind of drooping. She is in a self watering planter in soil, has a few new leaves unfurling and has three new pups coming up from the soil. I thought she was happy but the leaves pointing further down are concerning. She is pretty close to a South facing window. Ambient humidity is 60%-80% most of the time ans temps are 68-85 degrees. Thoughts? I apologize I don't have a picture; I'm waiting for my new phone

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9 comments

  1. Planty28

    Double check for spider mites my calathea did the same thing when it got hit with them!

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    • Plant Dad

      Praying to the holy plant gods that it isn't a pest problem!! *knocks on wood* I've never had a pest issue as I look at my plants almost daily and bathe them often as well as treat with rotating preventatives but I will be checking as soon as I get home later! Thank you for the insight

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  2. Hayley

    Stromanthe triostar (Stromanthe sanguinea) is usually pretty communicative with its leaves Even though it’s in a self-watering pot, the reservoir might be keeping the soil too wet at the root zone. Stromanthes are sensitive to soggy roots → this can cause drooping. Conversely, if the wicking system isn’t drawing enough water, the top of the root ball might be drying out too much. Check soil moisture not just at the top, but a few inches deep. Your temp range is generally good, but if it’s getting strong temperature swings (drafts, heating vents, cold nights), Stromanthes will sulk with droopy leaves. Since it’s actively producing pups and unfurling new leaves, the mother plant may redirect energy. Sometimes older leaves will droop or look less perky during this phase. Actively growing and producing pups = higher nutrient demand. If it’s been a while since feeding, it might be signalling it needs a gentle fertiliser boost. Prune tired leaves: If some leaves are permanently drooping, you can trim them off so the plant can focus on new growth. Monitor pups: Sometimes separating pups once they’re a decent size can relieve stress on the mother plant.

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    • Plant Dad

      I was on the same thought as far as it randomly being too soggy. When I looked at it, it does loon pretty wet but it also grew a ton of roots that are going directly in the water now. I emptied the reservoir two days ago to give it a rest from drinking. I don't have a lot of plants in self watering planters that are in soil, however, the ones I do have grow roots into the water fairly quickly after repotting. Do you think the roots in the water have anything to do with it? I have noticed that my calatheas are extremely sensitive to fertilizer so I only use fertilizer every two weeks rotating with kelp and super thrive. With the sun getting lower in the sky, it is starting to shine more directly inside my living room and closer to the plant, however, not directly on the plant (yet). I have to play musical chairs and switch all my plants around in the winter so the direct sun doesn't get to them.

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  3. Hayley

    If the roots are sitting directly in the bottom reservoir, they can stay constantly waterlogged, even if the soil above feels fine. Stromanthes (like Calatheas) dislike “wet feet,” and that can cause drooping even though the plant looks otherwise healthy with pups and new leaves. If you can, gently lift or peek at the roots in the reservoir. Healthy = white and firm. If they’re brown/mushy this is the start of root rot. If roots are healthy, you don’t need to panic — just manage water levels. Since you emptied the reservoir a few days ago, the plant may be adjusting to a change in its water access. If it was used to having roots in a constant water source, it could be temporarily stressed. I’d also adjust the use of the watering reservoir. Instead of keeping water constantly in the bottom, try a cycle: Fill reservoir and let the plant wick up what it needs. Then let it run dry for a couple of days before refilling. This mimics a more natural wet/dry cycle and prevents root suffocation. You’re right that Stromanthes and Calatheas are sensitive to fertiliser. Your approach (every 2 weeks, alternating with kelp/Superthrive) is good so I think it is less likely the culprit here since you’re cautious. You could consider repotting but I’m from the UK and here it is the wrong time of year to do this. Alternatively you could root prune if you think it is needed. I’d do this if the roots are deeply established in the reservoir and looking soggy. You should consider either repotting into fresh, airy mix (with bark/perlite) or trimming back those waterlogged roots. Make sure to support the stromanthe while it’s adjusting keep your humidity steady (you’ve got that covered at 60–80%). Ensure it’s not in direct sun from that south window — bright but indirect is safest. Continue your light fertiliser routine since it’s actively growing. Since your stomanthe is still pushing out pups and unfurling leaves, this is a good sign — the droop is more likely a watering/root environment issue rather than decline. Once the roots get a bit more oxygen, you should see the leaves perk back up. Good luck! I hope we get a before and after photos!

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    • Plant Dad

      Thank you so much for the detailed reply. Great advice with everything. It's planted in a clear pot where I can see the roots in the soil and can easily pull it out from the reservoir and see those roots; both of which are white and firm. I am off today so I'm going to see exactly how close the sun is to plant; I don't remember switching my plants around this early but too much light is the only thing I can think of at this point after checking off no pests, healthy roots and well fertilized. I will keep you posted about the sun and what happens after I move it...

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  4. Hayley

    What water do you use? I know my stromanthe is very sensitive when it comes to water. I have to filter water and then mix with distilled water 50/50!

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    • Plant Dad

      Only with my Calatheas, I use distilled water..

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  5. Hayley

    Sounds like your stromanthe is having the best treatment possible! I hope you find a solution !

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