Product Overview
Strobilanthes – The Persian Shield Plant.
A beautiful vibrant plant valued for its striking multi-coloured foliage, with hints of purple, blue and green.
Originally native to Burma this low growing flowering shrub is highly prized for its ornamental value and ease of care.
Just try to mimic its natural habitat and it will reward you with one of the most vibrant displays of colour for your indoor collection.
Secrets of success:
As with most tropical plants Strobilanthes prefer bright, indirect light, with a few hours of early morning or evening sun. An east or west facing window is ideal. Do avoid strong direct sun as the leaves can scorch, and the plant will dry out too rapidly. Too little light will result in loss of colour, and weak spindly growth.
Strobilanthes are used to being well watered by tropical storms, then allowed to dry slightly before being watered again. It is best to water from below, therefore avoiding the unnecessary saturation of the leaves. Too much moisture on the top of the compost can lead to problems such as mildew, and eventually areas of rot. So stand the plant in water until moist, then allow the top quarter of the compost to dry before watering again. Be careful never to allow the compost to dry out completely.
Happy in a range of temperatures between 17-24c.
Fertilise sparingly during the growing period, approximately once in every four waters with a diluted houseplant feed as per instructions.
Aftercare:
During the cooler months reduce the amount and frequency of watering, and do not fertilise.
Best kept away from any direct heat sources. During this time Strobilanthes also like extra humidity, to help combat dry air caused by your homes heating. So keep grouped together with other plants, or standing on a tray of moist gravel, this will help increase the humidity around the plant. An occasional misting and wiping of the leaves with a clean cloth will help to keep the leaves dust free.
Repot in Spring approx. every 2-3 years, using good quality free draining houseplant compost, and only a slightly larger pot.
Prune to encourage bushier growth.
Dry brown foliage is normally a sign of too much direct light, or too little water.
Yellow, or rotten leaves is a sign of too much water, or too little light.
Warnings: Not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
