The Stromanthe stromanthioides ‘Charlie’ is a tropical indoor plant valued for its variegated green and cream foliage. Like other Stromanthes, ‘Charlie’ is part of the Marantaceae family and exhibits a “prayer plant” movement where its leaves gently lift and lower in response to light levels. This makes it a visually dynamic houseplant. ‘Charlie’ can occasionally produce white flowers with orange calyxes. Its compact growth and striking leaf pattern make it a good choice for bright indoor spaces.
Stromanthe stromanthioides originates from the humid rainforests of Central and South America, specifically areas in Brazil. This environment influences its preference for moist, warm conditions, and consistent light exposure. In these habitats, the plant thrives under the dappled light of taller trees, explaining its need for indirect indoor lighting.
Stromanthe ‘Charlie’ prefers evenly moist soil. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring the pot has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. It is also sensitive to mineral-heavy tap water, so distilled or filtered water is often recommended, especially if the leaf edges begin to brown.
Bright, indirect light suits this plant best. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so positioning it near a filtered window or in a location that receives bright but diffused light is ideal. Under low light, the variegation may fade slightly, so moderate lighting is beneficial for maintaining vibrant colour.
High humidity, ideally above 60%, is necessary for Stromanthe ‘Charlie’. It responds well to daily misting or the use of a humidifier, especially in winter when indoor heating can reduce moisture levels. Alternatively, placing it on a pebble tray with water can help create a more humid microenvironment. High humidity also makes it suitable for a terrarium if space allows.
A consistent indoor temperature of 18-24°C (65-75°F) is ideal for ‘Charlie’. It should be kept away from cold drafts, as temperatures below 16°C (60°F) can stress the plant, causing leaf drop and colour loss. Avoid placing it near heating vents or in areas where temperatures fluctuate.
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All plants are shipped in their plastic nursery pot unless otherwise stated.
Plant pot sizes can fluctuate +/- 1cm.
We recommend to always size up your decorative pot by 1-2cm larger than the stated plant pot size. For example if you are purchasing a 12cm plant, you should purchase a 14cm decorative pot to ensure it will fit correctly.
We pride ourselves on the love and care with give our plants. Our entire team are plant obsessives at heart and so we go above and beyond to care for the plants we have in stock.
That said, plants are living beings and may differ slightly from the photo provided unless otherwise stated. Small leaf imperfections may be present and won't be compensated for. Some plants such as Begonia may suffer slight leaf melt when shipped. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
All our plants are stores and/or grown in our nursery under LED lighting. The conditions in our nursery are a minimum of 60% humidity and 19C year round.
