Can a Persian shield plant grow in full sun?
When grown outdoors, the Persian shield can tolerate full sun, though it prefers partial shade. In its natural habitat, it would grow under the partial shade of overhead trees, so it’s best to try to replicate this as best you can in your own garden.
Does the Persian shield need to overwinter?
It needs overwintering and fades after a few seasons, but grows quickly and easily propagates. The Persian Shield is perennial in warm climates and makes an excellent houseplant year-round. It’s choosy about its light and needs some attention to look its best … we’ll explain all that below.
What does Persian shield look like?
Persian shield is a large, evergreen perennial known for its vibrant foliage. The iridescent purple leaves shimmer with a hint of silver. Each leaf can reach 4 to 7 inches long and 3 inches wide. Adding interest, the leaves also feature bold green stripes along the veins.
What is the best temperature for Persian shield?
The Persian Shield is a tender perennial that prospers in our comfortable temperatures indoors. They do best from 60-75 °F (16-24°C) yet can shrug off short dips below this range. They tend to get leggy in hotter weather.
How much sun can Persian shield take?
The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Why is my Persian shield turning brown?
Brown crispy leaves are caused by dry air. This tropical native wants moist air to look its best. Don't worry, there are easy ways to raise the humidity around it. I often use pebble trays with water or a cool-mist room humidifier.
Can Persian shield be grown outdoors?
Growing Persian Shield Keep the saucer full of water. This keeps the roots out of the water but the evaporation of the water provides higher humidity to the air. You can grow Persian shield outdoors in warm climates and plant them in the ground as part of a border display.
Where should Persian shields grow?
Plant Persian shield in full sun in more northern areas; in southern states it usually benefits from partial shade. It may be pinched back if it gets too leggy, although this is usually not an issue when grown as a seasonal annual. Provide rich soil high in organic matter, with good drainage but also plenty of water.
Can you overwater Persian shield?
Top Tips & Info. Persian Shields like to be kept in a bright location, with the possibility of either morning or evening sun. Avoid deep shade at all costs due to the risk of over-watering and a loss of variegation.
How often should I water my Persian shield?
twice a weekPersian shield plants require constant moisture. Water them thoroughly and evenly twice a week. The top six inches of soil should be constantly moist. If you notice the soil getting dry between waterings, increase how much you water it.
What kind of light does a Persian shield need?
full sunPersian shield accepts full sun in cooler climates when grown as an annual, though partial shade is best suited for showing off the shiny foliage. The color can appear a little washed out in full sun. If kept indoors, it needs plenty of bright light—even some direct sun—to keep its color.
Why is my Persian shield not purple?
There is nothing wrong with the plant losing it's purple color and is normal on older leaves that will die off. There isn't much you can do to make it more purple. Its highly unusual to attempt to, but exposing it to brighter light may help.
Should you mist Persian shield?
Persian Shield plants require high humidity. Leaves dry up and fall off in low humidity. You can mist the leaves to increase the humidity, but use rain water or distilled water. Misting the plant with water containing chemicals such as chlorine or water that has passed through a softener puts marks on the leaves.
Why is my Persian shield wilting?
A Persian shield's iridescent purple leaves will fade and/or wilt if they are exposed to constant, direct sunlight. Keep your Persian shields in partial shade (or indirect light indoors) to keep your leaves vibrant and full.
How do you look after Persian shield?
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. This is a high humidity plant — it likes damp air! To increase that, place your pot on top of a tray of pebbles and water.
Will Persian shield survive winter?
Persian shield's showy purple metallic leaves can't hold up to frost.
How do I overwinter my Persian shield?
If you're in a cooler climate, the plant may need full sun in the summer for optimum color. When overwintering keep the plant as a potted or container plant in a bright and sunny location. Some sources say that this plant is hardy from USDA zones 8 to 11. However, it may die back late in the autumn in zones 8 and 9.
How fast does Persian shield grow?
Quick Reference Growing GuidePlant Type:Tender evergreen perennialLavender blue/green and iridescent purpleTime to Maturity:3-5 yearsBeds, borders, containers, houseplantHeight:1-3 feetLamialesSpread:1-3 feetAcanthaceaeGrowth Rate:FastAcanthoideae7 more rows•Oct 16, 2021
How do you look after Persian shield?
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. This is a high humidity plant — it likes damp air! To increase that, place your pot on top of a tray of pebbles and water.
How to grow Persian shield indoors?
The plant performs well in a container inside or outside, in full sun to partial shade. Provide even moisture and high humidity. The best way to give extra humidity to a Persian shield indoors is to place a thin layer of rocks in a saucer and balance the pot on top. Keep the saucer full of water.
How to propagate Persian shield?
You can share this lovely plant easily with friends and family. Persian shield propagation is done through seed or cuttings. Take 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) sections from the tips of the plant, cutting just below a growth node.
How long is a Persian shield plant?
Persian Shield Plant. Persian shield is a phenomenal foliar specimen. It produces 4 to 7 inch (10-18 cm.) long, slender leaves tipped with a point. They are slightly serrated and have deep green veins with purple to silver on the entire surface of the leaf.
Is Persian shield a good plant?
Chances are pretty good you have seen this attractive foliage plant at nursery centers. The bright leaves of the Persian shield plant ( Strobilanthes dyerianus) are almost better than a flowering specimen since they provide stunning color year-round.
Can you grow Persian shields outside?
You can grow Persian shield outdoors in warm climates and plant them in the ground as part of a border display. In cool zones, however, treat the plant as an annual or bring it inside at the end of summer.
Can Persian shield be grown indoors?
It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11, but is more commonly grown indoors or as a summer annual in cooler climates. Use Persian shield indoors to brighten up the home and create tropical ambiance with ease of care.
What kind of light does the Persian shield need?
Persian Shield Requires Bright Light. The Persian Shield likes bright indirect light but does well in a range of conditions. Outdoors, southern locations need the protection of partial shade or dappled light: too much sun fades the deep purple color into a silvery cast.
How to keep Persian shield from stretching?
A grow light can supplement the intensity. You can gauge whether the light is sufficient by observing how compact the plant remains. Rotate their pot to keep them from stretching.
How should I care for a Persian shield plant?
Persian Shield Care Needs 1 Scientific Name: Strobilanthes dyerianus 2 Common Name: Persian Shield Plant 3 Origin: Myanmar 4 Light Requirements: Bright indirect light. Can tolerate some direct sunlight, particularly indoors. 5 Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Water once the surface of the soil starts to dry. Will wilt significantly if underwatered. 6 Soil: Well-draining commercial potting mix. 7 Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C) is ideal. 8 Fertilizer: Fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer at half strength. 9 Humidity: Prefer humidity greater than 40%. 10 Pruning: Prune regularly during the growing season to maintain compact growth. 11 Propagation: Leaf propagation works well but needs close supervision. 12 Re-Potting: Repot every 1-2 years. Increase pot size if signs of becoming root-bound. 13 Diseases and Pests: Very resistant to pests and diseases when actively growing. 14 Toxicity: Non-toxic. Safe for humans and pets. 15 Where To Buy: Buy a Persian Shield Plant online at Etsy (I buy most of my houseplants from Etsy).
What is the Persian shield?
Characteristics Of Strobilanthes Dyerianus. The Persian Shield is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed perennial from the family Acanthaceae. The plant’s original habitat is the bright, filtered shade of a forest canopy in its native Myanmar, growing in rich organic soil under warm, moist tropical conditions.
What is the name of the flower that grows in the Persian Shield?
These cone-shaped violet blossoms give rise to its less-common name, the Bermuda Conehead . The best thing about their flowers is that they arrive with cool weather.
Do Persian shields like humidity?
Persian Shields love humidity, but they aren’t as hard to please as many tropicals. They do well with 40% humidity (though higher is even better). If the humidity is too low, their leaves become crispy, so gauge accordingly.
Do Persian Shields need a lot of light?
Indoors, it needs a sunny window or substantial artificial light. Persian Shields like organically rich and well-draining soil that’s kept moist: they wilt quickly in dry conditions. They need humidity to look their best. I’ve previously written about the best ways to increase humidity for your indoor plants.
How to keep Persian shield from wilting?
Make growing Persian shield easier by spreading a 3- to 4-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around the plant. This helps keep the soil cool and moist longer.
How big is a Persian shield?
And because it's not particularly large (Persian shield usually tops out around 3 feet tall and wide), it fits just about anywhere. We love Persian shield in container gardens.
What flowers go well with Persian shield?
Gardenia. Gardenia offers beautiful flowers with a lovely scent; Persian shield dresses it up by adding a splash of purple leaves. Impatiens, New Guinea. New Guinea impatiens add even more color to Persian shield in shaded container gardens.
Can you prune Persian shield?
You can prune Persian shield at any time. Pinching it back occasionally encourages the plant to have a fuller, bushier shape -- especially in shade. Persian shield is hardy as a landscape shrub in Zone 10. In other areas, grow it as an annual. Note: Persian shield is not intended for human or animal consump tion.
Can you grow Persian shield in the shade?
Persian Shield Plant Features. Whether you live in the North or South or have sun or shade, you can grow Persian shield. This delightful tropical shrub has been embraced by gardeners everywhere for its amazing purple foliage that has a decidedly iridescent shine.
How big do Persian shield leaves get?
Adding interest, the leaves also feature bold green stripes along the veins. Persian shield can grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet across. It can be planted in perennial beds or used effectively in larger container gardens.
Can Persian shield be planted in Florida?
Persian shield loves humid climates, making it a perfect choice for summer gardens in Florida. It will perform best if it's planted in a rich, well-drained soil that receives regular watering. Here in Florida, it's best to plant it in partial to full shade.
Can Persian shield be propagated?
The other option is to treat the plant like an annual, replacing it in the spring if it doesn't grow back from its roots. Persian shield can also be propagated from cuttings, so it makes a great passalong plant.
Can Persian shield be grown as a perennial?
Known scientifically as Strobilanthes dyerianus, Persian shield can be grown as a root-hardy perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 8-11. In colder climates, it can be grown as a summer annual.
Strobilanthes dyerianus
Persian shield, Strobilanthes dyerianus, is a stunning ornamental species that originates in warm, humid Myanmar, where it grows as a tender evergreen perennial.
Cultivation and History
Tropical Persian shield, aka royal purple plant, thrives on heat and humidity, yielding its most brilliant color in bright, indirect sunlight and partially shaded locations. It prefers temperatures above 60°F.
Propagation
To grow S. dyerianus, you’ll need to take a soft stem tip cutting from a friend’s plant, or purchase a potted one from a nursery. Seeds are not readily available.
How to Grow
In Zones 10 to 11, you can cultivate your plant year-round in the ground or in outdoor containers, for evergreen foliage.
Pruning and Maintenance
S.dyerianus is a low-maintenance species. If it gets leggy, pinch or snip the stems back just above a leaf node, to promote bushy, compact growth.
Where to Buy
Persian shield is available in nurseries and online for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Managing Pests and Disease
Persian shield is not particularly prone to pests or disease. However, sometimes there are issues.
How to grow Persian shield?
If you wish to grow a Persian shield plant, there are several ways you can go about it. These plants are easy to propagate using seeds or cuttings from mature plants. Additionally, transplanting a mature Persian shield plant is a straightforward task.
What is the best temperature to grow Persian shield?
The best regions to grow Persian shield plants are in zones 9-11. Ideally, the air temperature should not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for this plant to thrive. In those settings, this species grows as a perennial.
Why are my Persian shield leaves wilting?
When this issue occurs, it is not difficult to determine the reason. Persian shield plants need consistently moist soil. . If the soil begins to dry out, wilting leaves will be one of the first signs.
How big does a Persian shield plant get?
In ideal conditions, a Persian shield plant will reach about four feet high and three feet in spread. You will have a lot of control over how large your Persian shield plant will be. This plant responds well to pruning, so it is easy to keep it at a smaller size.
Can you transplant Persian shield plants?
These plants are easy to propagate using seeds or cuttings from mature plants. Additionally, transplanting a mature Persian shield plant is a straightforward task. Regardless of the planting method you use, it is best to situate your Persian shield plant in an area of partial sunlight. After planting, you will need to carry out frequent watering ...
Can Persian shields survive in full sun?
While this species can survive in full sun, that setting can often diminish the foliage color. To promote the most attractive growth for this plant it is best to pinch back the stems. This will encourage the Persian shield plant to be bushier, with a fuller set of foliage.
Is Persian shield a disease?
Regarding pests, diseases, and animals, Persian shield plants typically do not have any issues. There are a few pests that can afflict this species, such as the fungus gnats and spider mites. However, Persian shield plants are entirely disease-free.
