-Persian Shield Plant-4" Pot + soil-FREE care guide _____ CARE AND MAITNANCE:-Soil A rich peat based potting soil-Light Bright Indirect Light-Watering Calathea plants like moist but not soggy, soil at all times; never let the plant sit in water. The tiny insects are black or brown with two wings, and they look a lot like fruit flies. Persian shield seeds for sale. If Persian shields are provided with a consistently moist soil base, they will only need light fertilization at the beginning of the growing season and one additional light feeding about halfway through the summer. Once the plant is older, you can reduce repotting to every other year. Only water the plant once the top layer of soil has dried out. Growing Persian shield. After a few weeks, roots will have formed, at which point you can remove the plastic bag. When grown outdoors, the Persian shield can tolerate full sun, though it prefers partial shade. Add grit or sand to your soil to increase its drainage capacity, though don’t go overboard because a soil that drains too quickly will struggle to meet the Persian shield's demand for water. It’s easy to see where this exotic plant got its common name of ‘Persian shield,’ as the leaves are perfectly shield-shaped, and the iridescent purple foliage has a shimmering quality that makes it appear silver in some lights. If the plant gets too much sun, it will struggle to produce the vibrant purple foliage it is loved for. When it is grown as an annual, Persian shields often lack the time to worry with setting buds and flowering. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/persian-shield/growing-persian-shield-indoors.htm#:~:text=slender%20spiky%20flowers.-,Growing%20Persian%20Shield,the%20saucer%20full%20of%20water. Flowers are generally small and insignificant next to the stunning foliage’s intricate design and vibrant coloration. Persian shield requires consistently warm temperatures that stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as high humidity. The tropical colors it brings to your space will brighten any mood and compliment any decor. If your Persian shields are growing outdoors, you can place bowls of water near the base of the plants as this will have a similar effect as a pebble tray. Pinch tips to encourage growth. Cover with cling film and make a hole in the middle. For a less involved option, use a pebble tray to increase humidity. Persian Shield Care Instructions. Plant Persian shield in shade to partial shade in soil amended with generous amounts of organic matter and water regularly as needed. Since it is grown primarily for its foliage, many gardeners will pinch back the leaves of the purple Persian shield as well, to help create a fuller plant. This simply involves lightly spritzing your plant's foliage with water, though if you are a busy or forgetful person, then this method isn’t for you, as a few missed days of misting could negatively affect your plant's health. You can also release predatory insects to fight them off, including one simply called the whitefly parasite, lacewing larvae, or ladybugs. Persian Shield Care. If your plant starts to look a bit leggy, take stem cuttings to start anew and retire the mother plant. Add organic matter such as well-rotted compost to your soil, as this will help to hold onto water near the plant's roots while still allowing it to drain effectively. Commonly cultivated species within the genus range from small ground cover plants to large shrubs. In colder conditions, the plant will drop leaves, and if you live in a place with colder winters, you might want to cut the plant down to the soil level to overwinter. When misting, be sure to use soft water, as water with chlorine can damage the plant’s leaf tissue. Instead, multiply your purple Persian Shield collection by taking and rooting stem tip cuttings. Now that you know how to grow Persian shield for free, go forth and propagate! Cuttings canbe made in the usual manner (cuttingspage) but a far easier method of propagating is by simplyplacing the cutting in water. Soil . Keep the pH between 5.5 and 7.5. If infestation is suspected, check the soil near plant roots for the wiggling white larvae. article All About Aphids, and How to Kill Them, How to Grow and Care for Persian Shield Plants. A Persian Shield plant, sometimes called a Royal Purple plant, is a tropical, fast growing plant that loves high humidity and warm temperatures. Softwood cuttings can be taken from mature plants in order to propagate the next generation. The purple Persian shield plant is an excellent choice for gardeners at any experience level because of its resistance to disease and the small chance of pest insects, all of which are treated rather easily. It will tolerate slightly acidic soil, but will not adapt to alkaline soil environments. Fertilization is one of the most important Persian shield care instructions, especially for … Aphids can also spread viruses, which result in discolored or mottled leaves and stunt the growth of the plants they infect. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. 2. Dip the raw end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a moist growing medium and cover over with a plastic bag to mimic the conditions of a greenhouse. Required fields are marked *. Overview Strobilanthes dyeriana commonly referred to as Persian shield or royal purple plant, is a species of flowering plant in the acanthus family Acanthaceae, native to Myanmar (Burma), where it grows as an evergreen perennial shrub. Peat moss is an excellent choice of potting material for Persian Shield. Doing this will stunt the growth of the plant without causing it any damage. Persian shield prefers organically rich, fertile soil. If you find them, rinse the excess soil (and any larvae) from plant roots before repotting them with a fresh new batch of sterile soil. Houseplants typically flower in the wintertime, but you may want to pinch the blossoms off to encourage fuller, more bushy growth. Several rounds of jets from the water hose will knock them off the plant, though repeated treatments are required for this method to be effective. E.g. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family, which mainly consists of flowering tropical plants. The most commonly grown Strobilanthes species is the purple Persian shield, which displays gorgeous eight-inch leaves and can grow up to four feet high. They may look a little sad at first glance, but that is due to the plant entering dormancy for the winter. Persian Shield thrives in rich and well-drained loam or sandy soil. One recipe soaks peeled onion pieces and garlic cloves in water with a bit of cayenne pepper. If left to its own devices, Persian shields can get tall and leggy, and can even flop over from overextension. I plan to cut several slips and root them so that I can bring it in and save it for next year. Persian shield enjoys soil with a neutral pH range anywhere between 5.5 and 7.5. As these are thirsty plants, you will need to ensure they are grown in well-draining soil to prevent them from sitting in waterlogged boggy conditions. If you notice aphids or aphid damage on any of the plants in your garden, you should isolate them away from the other plants, or you risk spreading the infestation. Persian shields have a tendency to grow leggy and spindly, which can look unattractive. Use clean, sterilized garden shears to snip off cuttings two to three inches long from the tip of the stems, making your cuts just below the nodes where leaves emerge from the stems. Persian shield flower. Though Persian shield can tolerate sun, it’s best to provide some shade to maintain its vibrant foliage. My persian shield isnt doing well at all. Interestingly though, the plant hails from Myanmar (formerly Burma), and not Persia, as its name suggests. Persian shield is small plant and can grow in containers with out problems. — v. I’d love to know… What are some of your must-have flowers and foliage for the garden? Check on the cutting every day, misting to keep it moist if necessary. Persian shield does like to grow outside as well, but when doing that, be sure that the soil also remains consistently moist, and add mulch to keep the soil moisture from evaporating. Persian shield enjoys soil with a neutral pH range anywhere between 5.5 and 7.5. Growing persian shield plant requires morning sun or partial shade to bring out the leaf colour. Pruning after the plant has entered dormancy will disturb its rest. Top dressing a plant each spring with compost is helpful -- add a 1- to 3-inch thick compost layer to the area under each plant and mix it into the soil gently, taking care not to disturb its roots. It gets the name Persian shield because the leaves resemble little, feudal battle shields. Strobilanthes dyerianus, or Persian Shield, is a stunning foliage plant displaying multicolored leaves. To do this during repotting, you can trim back the root ball. Ideally, recreate this environment by planting the Persian shield under the protection of other trees, which can provide dappled shade. You can also use yellow sticky traps to catch the adults. Alternatively, if the plant is grown outdoors in a container, you could bring it indoors during cooler months to overwinter it. Persian shield requires consistently warm temperatures that stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as high humidity. Cold water irrigation can make spots on the leaves, so if you see spotting occur just after a rain, it is most likely due to cold rains, and not a sign of disease. The perennial plant requirements are moist soil and do not allow the soil … Fungus Gnats: While fungus gnats may simply seem like a nuisance, their larvae feed on the roots of plants. Another way to keep the size of older plants to a manageable size, is to prune the roots back when repotting. Persian shield will need more shade if it is not provided with enough water. Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. – 7.5. Related Plants. Persian shield plant produces 4-7 inch long, slender leaves tipped with Finally, always group your humidity loving plants together, as this also helps to improve humidity. To learn more details, read our article All About Aphids, and How to Kill Them. Persian shield in containers for sale. Add organic matter such as well-rotted compost to your soil, as this will help to hold onto water near the plant's roots while still allowing it to drain effectively. In addition to their feeding damage, you may also see the insects themselves on plants that are infested. Ideal temperatures for germination of these seeds is between 55 and 65 °F. If you must plant it in a sunny spot, ensure it gets afternoon shade to protect it during the hottest time of the day. Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. The plant’s original habitat is the bright, filtered shade of a forest canopy in its native Myanmar, growing in rich organic soil … Like many Strobilanthes, this species survives the winter in Brisbane. Delivery Charges. Forms an upright, bushy plant. Though Persian shields can be propagated by seed, finding seeds for the plant is next to impossible. Simply set your plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Plants with root system damage due to the larvae’s feeding may have stunted growth, leaves might droop or fall from the plant, and the plant may eventually die. From a distance, its leaves are a brilliant deep purple hue, but upon closer inspection, The deep purple leaves are outlined with blue green edging and veinage, and the entire topside of the leaves have an iridescent metallic-silver sheen and are highly-textured. While draining excess water, the soil must also hold enough nutrients for this heavy feeding plant. Persian shield for sale. The mites themselves appear to the naked eye as tiny white or red dots that move around. If you are growing Persian shield indoors as a houseplant, make sure to mist daily or use a humidity tray to maintain humid conditions at all times. Cuttings are best taken in spring or early summer. This is a high humidity plant — it likes damp air! To learn more details, read our article How to Fight Whiteflies. Persian shield loves humid climates, making it a perfect choice for summer gardens in Florida. 5. You will need to try to provide a good balance between bright light and shade. This method works because as the water evaporates from the pebbles, it increases the humidity around the plant. This bag must be removed for an hour each day to prevent mildew. This is a high humidity plant — it likes damp air! Growing Persian shield. Do not clip off the fading leaves that grow just after flowering. You can also use a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol, rubbing it over affected plant foliage, to treat a mealybug problem. Otherwise, you risk drowning your plant and causing root rot. However, you’ll need to repeat this treatment several times in order for it to work. Too much shade, and the plant will lose its color, but too little sun, and it will become leggy as it tries to find a source of light (Royal Horticultural Society). It will tolerate slightly acidic soil, but will not adapt to alkaline soil environments. Though the plant is known to flower in the late fall or winter when provided with the right circumstances, the tiny, blue, tubular flowers are easily outshined by the stunning foliage that provides incredible color all year long. Persian shield can get very large as it continuously spreads across the ground. To propagate from stem cuttings, take a cutting of around 3 inches in length from the end of a stem, cutting at the point just below a node. The water level must be lower than the tallest pebbles so that it does not reach the base of the plant pot and get sucked up through the drainage holes. Water the plant when the top couple of inches (5 cm.) Like many other pests of purple Persian shield plants, you can treat a whitefly problem with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol, rubbed gently along the plant’s foliage. The less water the Persian shield plant gets, the more shade it will need. Persian shield is hardy from USDA growing zones 9 through 12, where it will grow as a perennial. Examine your purple Persian shield plants carefully on a regular basis so that if pest issues do occur, you’ll know about it as soon as possible, leaving you poised to roll out the treatment plans we recommend below. Resume pinching back efforts when the plant starts to show signs of new growth in the spring. for 1+3, enter 4. 1. It’s a knockout in partially shaded locations! However, be aware that this treatment will also have negative effects on your population of beneficial insects, so keep its use to a minimum and opt for other treatments when possible. Unlike aphids, however, whiteflies will take flight if you run your thumb along the area where they sit. Water them thoroughly and evenly twice a week. You can treat an infested plant by giving it several rounds of targeted blasts from the garden hose, but don’t expect to see results until you’ve repeated this treatment on multiple occasions. To learn more details, read our article How to Fight Mealybugs. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. Dry air can cause the plant’s leaves to dry out and drop to the ground. Add grit or sand to your soil to increase its drainage capacity, though don’t go overboard because a soil that drains too quickly will struggle to meet the Persian shield's demand for water. I moved him a few weeks ago or a month ago or so.. to another pot, everything seemed ok. No more mold from dense soil then he starts getting brown very dry patchs all over the leaves but i just dont know why.. the other plants are loving the light I have given them and are even trying to bloom! This helps keep the soil cool and moist longer. Though it is called the “Persian,” shield, the plant actually hails from Myanmar (formerly Burma). Dry air tends to become more of a problem during the colder months when heating systems dry out the air in our homes, so pay extra attention to increasing humidity during these times. Remove leaves from the bottom half of your cuttings, then plant them in a soil-free growing medium such as peat. You can also make homemade sprays to keep them at bay. This is a high humidity plant — it likes damp air! If you are mindful of the warmth, light and humidity levels this plant is exposed to, it’s pretty easy going to care for. The combination is simply stunning. Related Plants. Persian Shield lives on moist soil and to yield its most glorious neon sheen, partially shaded location while getting enough bright light would be the most ideal. If you enjoy tending to your plants, then daily misting might be a good option. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Make growing Persian shield easier by spreading a 3- to 4-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around the plant. You will just need to ensure that the water in the tray is kept topped up. Purple Persian shield likes bright indirect light. Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) is a stunning ornamental plant that originates in the warm and humid nation of Myanmar, where it grows as an evergreen perennial.It is a member of the Acanthaceae family, … When kept indoors, the plant should be kept at a temperature above 60 °F. Take a container such as a plastic cup. When grown as a houseplant, set the Persian shield in a window that receives bright, indirect light. Here in Florida, it's best to plant it in partial to full shade. Persian shield rarely suffers from pests or diseases, and it only requires minimal maintenance to remain attractive. If kept indoors, you may want to slow the growth of the plant to keep it at a manageable size. Persian shield cuttings. Water . 3. Roots will appear in a few weeks, at which point you can move the plant to its permanent home in potting soil. Persian shield does like to grow outside as well, but when doing that, be sure that the soil also remains consistently moist, and add mulch to keep the soil moisture from evaporating. The Persian Shield is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed perennial from the family Acanthaceae. Mealybugs: Mealybugs don’t resemble the typical insect. Regular watering is needed to keep them from wilting. In fall or winter, the Persian shield plant may attempt to bloom. Pay extra attention to your plant’s watering needs in the winter, when indoor heating systems may cause the soil to dry out faster than usual. Is Persian shield a perennial. Persian shield plants require constant moisture. Water regularly throughout summer, especially in times when rainfall is lacking. In cool climates, the Persian shield is most commonly grown as a houseplant, where it will provide bright foliage all year-round. Persian Shield is a fantastic addition to your home or office. Product Data. The plant features unusual, striking foliage, which adds vibrant color to gardens and homes all year around. Also, take care to keep your plant away from any heating vents, which will dry the plant out. Though hardy to zones nine through eleven, Persian shield is more commonly found indoors or in beds as a summer annual in cool, temperate climates. It has been and will remain one of my personal favorites. Stave them off by being careful not to overwater or overfertilize. If kept indoors, it needs to be exposed to bright lights in order to retain its brilliant coloration. 4. 3/4 Fill it with water. You may see them hovering near your plants or crawling along the surface of their soil. The best time to do this is in early spring, moving the plant to a container just one size up from its current container. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Keeping seeds in a location that stays between 55 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius) is required in order for them to germinate. To learn more details, read our article How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats. If you notice the soil getting dry between waterings, increase how much you water it. Please share in the comments below. Well-suited to beds, borders, and containers, it’s no surprise how this perfectly purple tropical shrub has been championed by gardeners across the globe. Colors will become less impressive with too much sun. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Mist the plant, then top it with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect for the cutting. Regular waterings in well-drained soil complete the cultural context. Copyright © 2020. Aphids: Tiny aphids feed on the liquids inside plant leaves, sucking out the juices and leaving the foliage distorted, curled, or withered before it eventually falls from the plant. Persian shield growing from seeds: start by make holes of 0.5 cm cover the soil but not push it, the soil need to be moist better to sow in the spring and put it the seeds in half shade. When kept as a houseplant, you can expect to water your Persian shield at least twice a week, though always dip your finger into the soil to see if it is ready to be watered. http://www.thehypertufagardener.com/persian-shield/ I have that beautiful purple plant that I've seen so many times and wondered what it was. Allow the top 2-3” of the soil to … Positive: On Feb 16, … S best to provide a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers the underside plant... Plants at all purple Persian shield because the leaves resemble little, battle! 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