About Stromanthe thalia (Vell.) J.M.A.Braga
Stromanthe thalia, with the scientific name Stromanthe thalia (Vell.) J.M.A.Braga, is a plant species in the arrowroot family Marantaceae, native to the Brazilian rainforest. It also has a synonym, Stromanthe sanguinea. It is a common houseplant in temperate climates, valued for its striking variegated leaves that have purple undersides. It can be grown outdoors in humid tropical climates, but requires light shade during the afternoon and must be protected from high winds. Its growing soil should be kept moist at all times, but never waterlogged, because this plant is susceptible to root rot. Hummingbirds and bees are its main pollinators. Under ideal growing conditions, plants grown from this species' rhizome will reach 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) tall in about a year after emerging. It can be propagated from either seeds or rhizome division, though propagation via rhizome cuttings is faster and more reliable. The Latin specific epithet sanguinea from its synonym means "blood-red". Stromanthe thalia (listed as Stromanthe sanguinea) has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
