Persian Shield Plant (Strobilanthes dyerianus) Indoor Care, Propagation and Problems

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Botanical name: Strobilanthes dyerianus
Family: Acanthaceae
Common names: Persian Shield Plant, Royal Purple Plant, Bermuda Conehead

Description

Persian Shield Plant (Strobilanthes dyerianus) also called Royal Purple Plant or Bermuda Conehead is an erect evergreen shrub which bears finely-toothed dark-green foliage with bright, metallic-purple stripes radiating outward from the central leaf vein.

This appearance of Persian Shield Plant declines with age as the old plants are straggly, the color fades and the foliage becomes silvery with dark veins.

At this stage discard the Royal Purple Plant and replace with new plants propagated from stem-tips cuttings.

The common name, 'Persian Shield', is in reference to the leaves which resemble feudal battle shields.

Origin

Strobilanthes dyerianus is native to Myanmar. The species name "dyerianus" is in honour to the English botanist Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer (1843-1928).

Toxicity

Persian Shield Plant (Strobilanthes dyerianus) is mildly toxic to humans and pets. If ingested, the plant sap can cause burning in the mouth, tongue and throat. Keep the plant away from children and pets to avoid any mishaps.

Where to Buy

If you are looking to add this beautiful plant to your collection, Buy Persian Shield Plants online from Etsy.

Strobilanthes dyerianus Care Indoors

Persian Shield Plant (Strobilanthes dyerianus) blossoms in bright, indirect light away from direct sunshine, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.

Strobilanthes dyerianus requires regular pruning to keep it neat, to encourage a bushy growth and to rejuvenate growth. Young plants require annual repotting but mature plants are repotted when pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Persian Shield Plant grows best in bright, indirect light inorder to maintain the leaf color.

Keep the Royal Purple Plant away from direct sunshine as it can lead to scorching of the leaves.

Inadequate light for Bermuda Conehead will lead to a thin and leggy plant therefore, consider investing in a grow light if the natural lighting is insufficient.

Watering

Water Persian Shield Plant thoroughly during the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist while allowing the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.

Cut down on watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time.

Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead in root-rot risease and eventual death of the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Average warmth with a minimum 10⁰C is ideal for Persian Shield Plant. Keep it away from cold draughts to prevent sudden changes in temperature.

Persian Shield Plant thrives in high humidity conditions. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.

Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to keep them clean and neat as well as discourage pest and disease infestations.

Fertilizer

Feed Persian Shield Plant every 2 weeks during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer but do not feed during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn.

Potting Mix

The best soil for Persian Shield Plant should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.

Most multi-purpose potting mixes are ideal. Buy quality Potting Mix for Persian Shield Plant from Etsy.

Repotting

Repot the young Persian Shield Plant annually at the beginning of the growing season. The mature plants need to be repotted when they become pot-bound. Use a pot one size larger than the current one.

Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Persian Shield Plant involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat and discourage pest and disease infestations.

To control the height of the plant and encourage bushyness, pinch the growing tips.

Propagation

Persian Shield Plant (Strobilanthes dyerianus) propagation is done during the growing period from stem-tip cuttings.

How to Propagate Persian Shield Plant from Stem-tip Cuttings

The Persian Shield Plant stem cuttings root easily so there is no need for rooting hormone.

Take a stem cutting of about 3-5 in. from a healthy Persian Shield and ensure it bears at least two sets of leaves.

Insert the cutting in moist free-draining soil and place in a warm, well-lit place.

Maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges on the cutting.

Allow the new Strobilanthes dyerianus to be well established before transplanting after which routine care can begin.

Strobilanthes dyerianus Growing Problems

Persian Shield Plant (Strobilanthes dyerianus) problems include dull leaves, shrivelled leaves, leaf spots, leggy growth, pests and diseases. Read on for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.

Dull leaves

Dull leaves in Persian Shield Plant are caused by inadequate light (too low light). The development of the beautiful purple sheen on the leaves requires adequate light.

Move the Royal Purple Plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright, indirect light but away from direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural light is inadequate.

Leggy growth

There are three possible causes of leggy growth in Persian Shield Plant. One possible cause is too little light.

Position the Bermunda Conehead to a brighter spot where it will receive bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural light is inadequate.

The second possible cause of leggy growth in Persian Shield Plant is too little water (underwatering).

Maintain the soil moist at all times while allowing the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.

The third possible cause of leggy growth in Persian Shield Plant is inadequate feeding.

Feed the plant every 2 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer.

However, all the stems become leggy with age therefore replace a leggy plant with a young vibrant plant.

Pests

Common pests in Persian Shield Plant are Spider Mites, Fungus Gnats, Whiteflies and Aphids. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with Neem oil or Insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests.

Diseases

The most common disease in Persian Shield Plant is root-rot disease which is promoted by soggy soil. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Read on how to treat root-rot in houseplants.

Brown, shrivelled leaf tips

Brown, shrivelled leaf tips in Persian Shield Plant is too dry air (low humidity). To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.

Spotted leaves

Spotted leaves in Persian Shield Plant is caused by cold water droplets falling on the leaves during watering. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering or water from the bottom instead.