Stromanthe sp.

This small plant, typically 2-5 feet in height, is native to Brazil, Honduras and Costa Rica. Its ornamental foliage and flowers add decoration to any home or garden area. The leaves are oval with metallic accents, and the undersides are often burgundy or purple in color. This plant flowers range from red and crimson to vinous, to yellow and orange.

Those seeking to grow this plant in colder regions must take great care and select a suitable pot. Stromanthe sp. is hardy to at least 30°F for a short time, making it suitable for USDA Zone 9-11. It should be placed in semi-shade, as full sun will cause the leaves to burn and the plant to become distressed. It's important to ensure that the soil surrounding the plant is kept moist, but not soggy, so water when the surface of the soil appears dry.

For best results, Stromanthe sp. should be fertilized regularly with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Regular pruning of dead or dying leaves is essential to keep the plant healthy and encourage flowering.

In order to ensure optimal growth, it is important to maintain a high level of humidity around Stromanthe sp.. The easiest way to do this is to keep the plant in a bathroom or kitchen, or alternatively, mist the foliage regularly. With proper care, your Stromanthe sp. will thrive as an ornamental addition to your home, with interesting foliage and beautiful flowers.

Stromanthe stromanthoides

Strophanthus boivinii

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Very unusual strophanthus with orange-brown flowers that look like carved out of wood with petals curled like a wooden shavings. This flower is very unique, looking almost artificial. Bright orange twisted petals with yellow margins indeed look like fancy wood shavings. Very rare plant in cultivation, and hard to propagate. Spectacular eye stopper, it is in bloom 2-3 times a year! Drought tolerant, takes both full sun or shade. Compact shrub in container, can be trained into a small tree. Leaves are leathery and dark green with white veins, and light green when young.

Strophanthus sp.

A group of tropical plants belonging to the dogbane family, native to Africa and Asia. Seeds of the handsome climber Strophanthus gratus and Strophanthus kombe yield a poison, strophantin, which is used on arrowheads in hunting, and in medicine as a heart stimulant.

These frost-tender plants prefer a protected, part-shaded position and fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Exotic species of Strophanthus:

Strophanthus bovinii

Strophanthus caudatus

Strophanthus gratus

Strophanthus hispidus

Strophanthus kombe

Strophanthus petersianus - Sand Forest Poison Rope, scrambling shrub, creamy white flowers, pinkish red on outside, dangling petal lobes.

Strophanthus preussii

Strophanthus speciosus

Strophanthus wallichii

Strophanthus speciosus

Rare rambling or vining evergreen shrub with clusters of unusual starfish-shaped flowers, sweetly scented.