A full-grown Persian Shield plant is a true beauty to behold. The exotic plant features stunning dark purple leaves that are so dark they could be mistaken for black with ease.
Its dark purple leaves are blessed with a flashy, silvery sheen that gives a royal glow. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pointy tip.
When you piece together its leaf shape with its silvery, flashy shine, you are reminded of the battle shields belonging to the Persian army and this is why it is named the Persian Shield plant.
The Strobilanthes is native to the tropical regions of Myanmar, in the Asian continent. It makes an excellent ornamental plant and brings a royal classy feel to any indoor space it is placed in.
It is regarded as a tough plant being able to withstand high levels of humidity and can be grown both as an annual plant and a perennial plant. It also makes a great plant to be grown in a garden.
| Botanical Name | Strobilanthes Dyeriana |
| Common Names | Persian Shield |
| Origin | Asia |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Plant Type | Annual, Perennial |
| Full Size | 3 ft to 4 ft tall, 2ft to 3 ft wide |
| Sun Exposure | Ranges from full direct sunlight to partial or indirect sunlight |
| Soil Type | Rich, well-draining soil |
| Toxicity | Doesn’t appear toxic |
Persian Shield Care
It is easy to care for Persian Shield plants. The Strobilanthes care routine would include meeting its various light, water, soil, and temperature requirements. Failure to meet these requirements would lead to a malnourished and terrible-looking plant.
Persian Shield Light Requirements
The purple shield plant would be best suited in an environment with adequate bright but indirect sunlight, as it does receive in its native environment.
However, direct sunlight would be beneficial to the Persian Shield houseplant as it could help promote a richer and more flourishing look.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight could prove damaging to the exotic houseplant. What you should aim for when it comes to the Persian Shield sun requirements should be a maximum of 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight a day after which, you provide partial or shade sunlight for the remaining part of the day
Too little sunlight could lead to the exotic foliage drooping, but it can be awakened by providing quick and sufficient access to direct sunlight.
Persian Shield Water Requirement
Another reason why a Persian shield plant might be drooping would be a lack of good watering practice.
The Persian plant might not need excess watering but it is advised that you keep its soil moist at all times. Be careful not to overwater it though.
What you should aim for when it comes to watering should be providing it with at least 1 inch of water every week.
On a hot day with humid climates, you might want to increase the watering frequency. Water it every day, so as to avoid the plant wilting would be most ideal
If it does wilt or droop, do not be alarmed, a simple drink of water should be more than enough to get it back to its flourishing vibrant self in no time.
Persian Shield Soil Requirement
The Strobilanthes Persian shield plant has delicate roots, so you would want to avoid soggy soil as much as possible.
Pick a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. By combining perlite with houseplant soil and peat moss, you provide a perfect soil type for the Persian Shield plant.
The appropriate pH soil level should range from neutral to acidic. Keep it between the range of 5.5 to 7.5.
In addition to the soil type being well-draining, it also helps to have a decent level of water-retaining capacity, so as to remain moist at all times.
Persian Shield Humidity and Temperature Requirement
The average humidity level of the Myanmar tropical regions is high so the Strobilanthes plant would do well in a warm and humid environment.
A dry climate would be terrible for its exotic leaves as they would wither and dry out. What you should aim for is a temperature level of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and above, with as much humidity as possible.
Making use of a humidifier would be good practice if you find that the natural climate indoors is not humid enough.
You could also try misting your Persian Shield plant every day, just be sure to clean water that is free from chlorine as such chemicals could be bad for the luxurious foliage.
Persian Shield Fertilizer Requirement
How often you feed your Srobilanthes Dyeriana plant depends on the type of soil that it was planted on. If soil rich in organic matter was used, then a less frequent feeding schedule would be required.
If the soil used contains little organic matter, then an average fertilizing schedule should be adopted. When fertilizing, ensure it is a liquid soluble fertilizer with about half its initial strength diluted.
Fertilizing can be done every 2 weeks or 4 weeks, and ensure the fertilizer used contains more nitrogen as that is the key nutrient needed by the plant.
Persian Shield Propagation
When propagating the Persian shield, it can be done by stem cuttings. This is a delicate procedure so do be careful so as not to injure the plant with your propagating tools.
It is also recommended that you wear protective gloves to keep the sap from causing skin irritation as you cut.
Persian Shield Pruning Requirement
Pruning might not be a regular affair when it comes to the Persian Shield plant, as the plant is durable and can survive most unfavorable situations.
However, you might need to prune the plant to keep it looking rich and fresh. Cut off all dead leaves to give it a fresh look.
Before pruning, it is required that you sterilize all scissors and knives to be used, so as to avoid an infection.
Toxicity
Although there is no clear indication that the Persian Shield plant is toxic, it is advised that you abstain from eating it, as it might lead to stomach discomfort.
Common Health Problems of the Persian Shield
It is known that the Persian shield plant is a durable plant, it is also easy to care for. However, it is susceptible to a few diseases, pests and a few other health problems like;
- Aphids
- Waterflies
- Drooping leaves
- Wilting leaves
- Color Fades
Frequently Asked Questions
The Persian shield plant can be gotten from numerous floral shops in the United States, as well as online stores like Amazon and Etsy.
Your Persian shield can be planted alongside Lamb’s ears, Ferns, and Plectranthus.
When provided with the right warm temperature, the Persian Shield can live as long as 10 years.
The Tradescantia spathacea or Oyster plant could be a great alternative to the Persian Shield plant.
A grown Persian Shield size should range from 3 feet to 4 feet
