Why are the leaf tips turning brown?

This is almost always due to low humidity or mineral buildup from tap water.

Does it need direct sun?

No, direct sun will scorch the beautiful variegated leaves.

Plant guide

Stromanthe.

Stromanthe thalia

Pronounced stro-MAN-thee THAL-ee-uh

Stromanthe thalia — Photo by Alessandher Piva (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This stunning tropical plant is famous for its striking, variegated foliage that features shades of cream, pink, and deep green. It is a member of the prayer plant family and will fold its leaves up at night. You will love how it brings a vibrant, colorful touch to any humid corner of your home.

At a glance

Care level: Difficult
Plant type: Tropical perennial
Light: Bright indirect light is best to maintain leaf color.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. High humidity is essential, so consider using a pebble tray or humidifier to keep the edges from browning. Watch for curling leaves, as this is a clear sign your plant is thirsty or needs more humidity.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any brown or damaged leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot in the spring when the plant becomes root bound.
Soil: Well draining peat based potting mix
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: It is generally considered non-toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The leaves are sturdy but not sharp, though they should not be ingested by small children.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

Variegated leaves with cream and pink
Deep burgundy undersides on foliage
Leaves fold upward at night
Elongated, lance shaped leaf blades

Height: 0.6 to 1m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, burgundy, cream, evergreen
Flowers: white, red, 1 to 3cm

Problems to watch for

Leaf tip burn · Usually caused by low humidity or tap water chemicals.
Spider mites · Tiny pests that thrive in dry indoor air.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your stromanthe from a photo

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Growing it

Propagation: division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents. Maintain consistent warmth and increase humidity during the winter months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 20 cm wide.

Division

1. Gently remove the plant from its pot.
2. Carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections.
3. Replant each section into fresh, well-draining soil.

Group these plants together to create a microclimate that naturally raises the humidity around their leaves.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar requirements for high humidity and indirect light.
Fern · Ferns provide a lush, contrasting texture in the same tropical environment.

Similar species

Calathea · They are closely related and share the same prayer plant movement.
Maranta · They are both members of the Marantaceae family with similar care needs.

Science

Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Stromanthe
Order: Zingiberales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical Brazil
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered in its native range.

It grows in the shaded, humid understory of tropical rainforests.

Uses: indoor ornamental, tropical foliage display

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaf tips turning brown?: This is almost always due to low humidity or mineral buildup from tap water.
Does it need direct sun?: No, direct sun will scorch the beautiful variegated leaves.

Where the name comes from

The name Stromanthe comes from the Greek words for mattress and flower, referring to the structure of the inflorescence.

Good to know

It belongs to the Marantaceae family.
The undersides of the leaves are a striking deep purple.
It thrives in bright, indirect light.

Keep your stromanthe growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.