Prayer Plant vs Stromanthe Triostar
The prayer plant wins on ease - medium, small, fine in normal humidity. The stromanthe is taller and showier but rated hard. Both are pet-safe.
Prayer Plant is rated medium to care for, Stromanthe Triostar hard. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the Prayer Plant. Stromanthe Triostar reaches 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) and belongs on a side table or plant stand. Prayer Plant tops out around 15-30 cm (6-12 in), so it suits a shelf or desk.
What they share: both are pet-safe, both want medium indirect light, both take high watering and both are happy in the same humidity.
Choose
Prayer Plant if…
- ✓you want the lower-risk plant of the two
- ✓shelf space is what you have (15-30 cm (6-12 in))
- ✓the look is what you are after: Leaves fold up at night like praying hands. Beautiful patterns.
Choose
Stromanthe Triostar if…
- ✓you are happy to fuss a little for the better-looking leaves
- ✓you want a floor-filling plant (30-90 cm (1-3 ft))
- ✓the look is what you are after: Stunning pink, white, and green variegation with pink undersides.
Prayer Plant vs Stromanthe Triostar: side by side
| Attribute |
Prayer Plant
|
Stromanthe Triostar
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Foliage | Foliage |
| Difficulty | medium | hard |
| Light | ●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
| Water | ●●●●○ 4/5 High |
●●●●○ 4/5 High |
| Humidity | ●●●●● 5/5 High |
●●●●● 5/5 High |
| Pet safe | Safe | Safe |
| Mature size | Small 15-30 cm (6-12 in) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Air purifying | No | No |
| Native to | Brazil | Brazil |
Key differences between Prayer Plant and Stromanthe Triostar
Prayer Plant is the easier plant
Prayer Plant is rated medium to care for, Stromanthe Triostar hard. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the Prayer Plant.
Stromanthe Triostar is the bigger plant
Stromanthe Triostar reaches 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) and belongs on a side table or plant stand. Prayer Plant tops out around 15-30 cm (6-12 in), so it suits a shelf or desk.
How to tell Prayer Plant and Stromanthe Triostar apart
The maranta is the easier plant by a wide margin -- ordinary humidity, ordinary water, small footprint. The stromanthe is taller, showier and much more demanding about damp air. Both are pet-safe and both move their leaves on a daily rhythm.
Care at a glance
Prayer Plant
Maranta Leuconeura
Leaves fold up at night like praying hands. Beautiful patterns.
Care in one line: Indirect light, keep moist, high humidity.
Full Prayer Plant care guide →
Stromanthe Triostar
Tricolor Stromanthe, Magenta Triostar
Stunning pink, white, and green variegation with pink undersides.
Care in one line: Indirect light, consistent moisture, high humidity essential.
Full Stromanthe Triostar care guide →Prayer Plant vs Stromanthe Triostar: common questions
What is the difference between Prayer Plant and Stromanthe Triostar? +
The maranta is the easier plant by a wide margin -- ordinary humidity, ordinary water, small footprint. The stromanthe is taller, showier and much more demanding about damp air. Both are pet-safe and both move their leaves on a daily rhythm. On care, prayer Plant is rated medium to care for, Stromanthe Triostar hard. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the Prayer Plant.
Which is easier to care for, Prayer Plant or Stromanthe Triostar? +
Prayer Plant. It is rated medium while Stromanthe Triostar is hard, and it is more forgiving about light and watering mistakes.
Is Prayer Plant or Stromanthe Triostar safe for cats and dogs? +
Both are safe. Prayer Plant and Stromanthe Triostar are each non-toxic to cats and dogs, so either works in a home with animals.
Which needs less light, Prayer Plant or Stromanthe Triostar? +
They are the same. Both score 3/5 for light, meaning near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which needs more water, Prayer Plant or Stromanthe Triostar? +
Neither - both score 4/5. For each one, keep the soil evenly moist, never fully dry.
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