Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Strobilanthes dyerianus or Persian shield

The genus Strobilanthes, family Acanthaceae, comprises 300 species of herbaceous plants native to tropical regions of Asia. Some species are: Strobilanthes dyerianus, Strobilanthes japonica, Strobilanthes callosus, Strobilanthes kunthiana, Strobilanthes wallichii.

Common names: Persian shield, Royal purple plant. This species is native to Southeast Asia (Burma).

They are tropical herbaceous plants that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height grown in pots. They are interesting for their beautiful lanceolate leaves (up to 20 cm/7.87" long) with marked green nerves with a pink background and silver tones. They do not usually bloom, but if they do, they produce spikes of bluish flowers in autumn.

They are used as greenhouse and indoor plants; in tropical and subtropical climates they are used to form groups, in borders and in pots for patios and terraces.

Strobilanthes dyerianus needs a dim light or semi-shadow exposure; it should never receive direct sunlight in the central hours of the day (the leaves are burned). In summer they can be grown outside but protected from the sun. They do not resist temperatures below 12 ºC (53.6 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of peat, leaf mulch, and topsoil. Transplant each spring into a pot one size larger.

Water with lime-free water, waiting for the substrate surface to dry; prevent the soil from drying out completely. It's important that they have a medium-high humidity indoors; spray the leaves with lime-free water daily and place a plate with damp stones under the pot.

Fertilize once a month during spring, summer and the first weeks of fall with mineral fertilizer.

Prune the tip of the plant slightly to achieve a more compact appearance.

They can be attacked by aphids if the humidity is low and by fungi in the roots if there is excess watering.

They are propagated by cuttings in spring but it's not an easy process. Plants should be renewed every 3 years because they lose their attractiveness.

Images of the indoor plant Strobilanthes dyerianus or Persian shield