The Stunning Tropical Plant You Can Grow In A Container That Thrives In The Shade

There are big differences to consider when choosing between a patio and deck, and one of them is how your collection of potted plants will look when arranged on either feature. Balancing a carefully curated container garden against the shady conditions under covered structures can be challenging. Picking the right plants is vital, especially if you also live in warmer climes. Fortunately, there's a tropical plant that checks all the boxes: 'Triostar' stromanthe (Stromanthe thalia 'Triostar'). It thrives in heat, shade, and containers, and has striking hot pink foliage that is sure to boost the visual appeal of your outdoor space — no matter whether you have a patio or a deck.

'Triostar' stromanthe — previously as Stromanthe sanguinea or Stromanthe spectabilis — is a show-stopping tropical cultivar with vibrant variegated hot pink and deep green foliage and flowers that are just as colorful. It has a somewhat pink goth aesthetic that fits into most gardens regardless of your chosen outdoor design palette. Because you can only plant 'Triostar' stromanthe in a garden bed year-round in tropical climes, it's most often grown as a houseplant. However, those living in colder areas can move it outside for the summer months, adding it to a container garden collection on a shady patio or deck. Despite its brilliant hues, this stromanthe doesn't need a lot of sun. 

Before you take a trip to your local plant center, you need to work out if you can grow 'Triostar' stromanthe outdoors year-round in your backyard or whether you need to keep it as a houseplant with a little outdoor time in summer. This pretty tropical plant is only hardy in Zones 10 to 12. If you live in lower zones, you'll need to overwinter your potted plant indoors. As mentioned, this Stromanthe cultivar also does best — and still flowers and retains its vibrantly hued leaves — in dappled sunlight or partial shade. The key is knowing the difference between direct and indirect sunlight — and which your plant needs.

Too much of the former can lead to leaf damage on 'Triostar' stromanthe, negatively impacting the plant's distinctive visual appeal. The tricky part is that this plant doesn't like deep shade, either. When choosing the right spot for 'Triostar' on a patio or deck, rule out any full sun spots. Instead, place it under open structures — like pergolas, louvered roofs, or overhanging trees — in your outdoor living spaces.

While the benefits of growing a container garden are clear, more is needed for this stunning Stromanthe cultivar to thrive in a pot outdoors than simply catering to its preferred climate and sunlight requirements. Perhaps most importantly, 'Triostar' prefers moist yet well-drained soil and high humidity. Soil in plant pots tends to dry out faster than soil in garden beds, so keep on top of regular watering and check the soil for dryness with a finger often. Do not let the soil get waterlogged — Stromanthe thalia and its cultivars are prone to root rot.