Photo: Riccardo RoccaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Rainbow plant Plant Care
Striga barthlottii Eb.Fisch., Lobin & Mutke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Striga barthlottii is a striking houseplant known for its vibrant purple leaves that are shaped like hearts. Originating from the tropical regions of South America, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique color and easy care requirements.
Every 3–5 days
Partial to full sun
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Rainbow plant?
Water Rainbow plant every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Rainbow plant?
Rainbow plant (Striga barthlottii) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Striga genus. Rainbow plant is native to South America. Rainbow plant is also known as Purple Heart.
Rainbow plant displays a parasitic annual herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Rainbow plant produces tubular flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rainbow plant?
Striga barthlottii requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Rainbow plant Need?
Rainbow plant thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rainbow plant Prefer?
Striga barthlottii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Rainbow plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rainbow plant?
Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Rainbow plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rainbow plant?
Feed Rainbow plant every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Rainbow plant?
Not applicable, as a parasitic plant. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Rainbow plant?
Rainbow plant can be propagated through seeds, rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to witchweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rainbow plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rainbow plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rainbow plant?
Rainbow plant is susceptible to no common pests known. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rainbow plant Need?
Rainbow plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Rainbow plant is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Rainbow plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Rainbow plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Striga genus — compare its care with other Striga species on PlantoScan.
Striga is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
Rainbow plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Striga Species
Other Striga species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Striga barthlottii Eb.Fisch., Lobin & Mutke, family Orobanchaceae (first published in Willdenowia 41: 52 (2011)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rainbow plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Riccardo Rocca, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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