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Strobilanthes (also called Persian Shield) is a tropical, evergreen sub-shrub that produces soft green and silvery-purple foliage on large leaves that can grow up to six inches long. These upright growers can be used in landscaping or indoors as a houseplant. In zones 9-10, Persian Shield will continue to look great all year long. In zone 9 (and occasionally in zone 8), it will die back but resprout in the spring if the roots are properly mulched. As a houseplant, Strobilanthes can survive for years under proper care. Homeowners will need to take special care to make sure the plant stays in a humid area with morning sun and mid-day to afternoon shade.House plants will need to be misted several times a week to maintain humidity and moisture levels.
Growing Tips
For best results with Strobilanthes, we recommend using a constant feed program of 150-200 ppm N. Persian Shield are not drought tolerant and should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. They also perform much better in high humidity. Maintain a pH between 5.8 - 6.2.
Pinching
We recommend that you pinch Strobilanthes Persian Shield 5-10 days after transplanting to your final container. They may require a second pinch to shape the plant for your final needs. Persian Shield produce small violet flowers, but they are not very attractive and pinching can be done at anytime if you do not require it to flower for your final application. Strobilanthes will flower under short days, so use night lighting to prevent flowering.
Spacing
Space pots as needed to allow air flow and penetration of light between plants.
Height Control
Plant growth regulators are not recommended for Strobilanthes Persian Shield, but pinching and trimming will be necessary as these are fast-growing, upright plants. Encourage basal branching through proper pinching.
Pests
Watch out for spider mites and the occasional aphid or mealybug on Persian Shield.
Disease
Strobilanthes Persian Shield is not prone to many diseases, but don't oversaturate the soil. If the plant sits in moist soil for an extended amount of time, you could end up with root rot or botrytis. Botrytis grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis and root rot are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label's instructions.
Planting Strobilanthes Persian Shield Liners
We recommend planting 3 starter plants per 1 gallon pot. Use a well-drained soil in your containers and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4" pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot.
Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Strobilanthes Persian Shield Quick Reference Guide
4 Inch crop time
6 Weeks
10 Inch crop time
8-10 Weeks>
Habit
Upright
Height
18-24 Inches
Light
Partial Sun/Shade
Minimum Temp
60
Perennial Zone
Zones 9-10
Water Needs
Moderate
Patented Plant
No
Current Availability
12-17-2018 (Week 51)
0
12-24-2018 (Week 52)
0
12-31-2018 (Week 01)
0
01-07-2019 (Week 02)
1,000
01-14-2019 (Week 03)
1,500
01-21-2019 (Week 04)
1,400
01-28-2019 (Week 05)
600
02-04-2019 (Week 06)
900
02-11-2019 (Week 07)
19,600
02-18-2019 (Week 08)
25,600
02-25-2019 (Week 09)
12,600
03-04-2019 (Week 10)
14,900
03-11-2019 (Week 11)
2,500
03-18-2019 (Week 12)
14,800
03-25-2019 (Week 13)
2,900
04-01-2019 (Week 14)
5,600
04-08-2019 (Week 15)
15,500
04-15-2019 (Week 16)
9,800
04-22-2019 (Week 17)
24,800
04-29-2019 (Week 18)
0
Strobilanthes (also called Persian Shield) is a tropical, evergreen sub-shrub that produces soft green and silvery-purple foliage on large leaves that can grow up to six inches long. These upright growers can be used in landscaping or indoors as a houseplant. In zones 9-10, Persian Shield will continue to look great all year long. In zone 9 (and occasionally in zone 8), it will die back but resprout in the spring if the roots are properly mulched. As a houseplant, Strobilanthes can survive for years under proper care. Homeowners will need to take special care to make sure the plant stays in a humid area with morning sun and mid-day to afternoon shade.House plants will need to be misted several times a week to maintain humidity and moisture levels.
Growing Tips
For best results with Strobilanthes, we recommend using a constant feed program of 150-200 ppm N. Persian Shield are not drought tolerant and should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. They also perform much better in high humidity. Maintain a pH between 5.8 - 6.2.
Pinching
We recommend that you pinch Strobilanthes Persian Shield 5-10 days after transplanting to your final container. They may require a second pinch to shape the plant for your final needs. Persian Shield produce small violet flowers, but they are not very attractive and pinching can be done at anytime if you do not require it to flower for your final application. Strobilanthes will flower under short days, so use night lighting to prevent flowering.
Spacing
Space pots as needed to allow air flow and penetration of light between plants.
Height Control
Plant growth regulators are not recommended for Strobilanthes Persian Shield, but pinching and trimming will be necessary as these are fast-growing, upright plants. Encourage basal branching through proper pinching.
Pests
Watch out for spider mites and the occasional aphid or mealybug on Persian Shield.
Disease
Strobilanthes Persian Shield is not prone to many diseases, but don't oversaturate the soil. If the plant sits in moist soil for an extended amount of time, you could end up with root rot or botrytis. Botrytis grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis and root rot are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label's instructions.
Planting Strobilanthes Persian Shield Liners
We recommend planting 3 starter plants per 1 gallon pot. Use a well-drained soil in your containers and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4" pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot.
Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Strobilanthes Persian Shield Quick Reference Guide
