Strobilanthes, also commonly known as Persian shield, is anannual plantor herbaceous perennial, depending on the climate.
Persian shield is native to Myanmar, not Persia, as its name implies.
It grows best in tropical climates with dappled light, ample moisture, and consistent temperatures above 45F.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
The color can appear a little washed out in full sun.
However, when grown indoors, it needs plenty of bright lighteven some direct sunto keep its color.
Soil
Persian shield grows well in the neutral range ofsoil pHand can tolerate slightlyacidic soil.
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Keep the pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
Water
The less water the Persian shield plant gets, the more shade it will need.
Temperature and Humidity
Persian shield is a very popular garden annual and potted houseplant in colder regions.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
It does best in warm temperatures (above 60F) and sultry, humid air.
It grows like an evergreen subshrub in regions without winter frost, where temperatures remain above 45F.
As a houseplant, Persian shield tends to bloom during winter.
Nighttime temps should remain reliably above 50F.
If growing indoors, ensure it has humid conditions.
Dry air will cause the leaves to dry and drop.
Misting daily is recommended, but use soft water, as chlorine will damage the leaves.
As with most foliage plants, nitrogen is the more critical nutrient.
Use a fertilizer formula weighted toward nitrogen, such as a 12-6-6 mixture.
For the amount, follow the label instructions.
If outdoors in a cooler, northern climate, you might give it a full sun location.
Indoors, provide Persian shield plants with a southern window for the brightest sun exposure.
Ensure indoor plants get consistent moisture and regular fertilizer.
Strobilanthesis quite a large genus containing more than 350 species.
There are no named cultivars of Persian shield to choose from.
It can get tall, leggy, and floppy if left to develop independently.
With indoor plants, do not remove the fading leaves that develop immediately after flowering.
Resist the temptation to pinch at this point to avoid disturbing dormancy.
Resume pinching when the plant starts growing in earnest in the spring.
If you’re free to obtain them, plant the seeds in spring orstart them indoorsin late winter.
Seeds require warm conditions (55F to 64F) to germinate.
Potting and Repotting Persian Shield
Persian shields lend themselves well to container culture.
Any material will do, provided it has good drainage.
Indoors, pinch back frequently to keep the plant manageable instead of letting it grow to its full capacity.
If your plant becomes too leggy or woody, take stem cuttings and discard the mother plant.
It’s typical for Persian shields to experience diminished foliage color after they have bloomed.
you’re free to always move them back outdoors in the spring.
Use a standard peat-based potting mix when transplanting garden plants into pots.
This is possible only in zones 8 to 11.
Insect pests are more common for indoor potted plants; control them withhorticultural oil.
When grown as an annual, Persian shield may not have enough time to set buds and flowers.
However, you will not miss them with all the colorful foliage.
If you live in a warm zone, they can be grown as a perennial or houseplant.
Common Problems With Persian Shield
Persian shield is an easy plant to grow.
When this happens, many people discard the mother plant and propagate new plants through stem cuttings.
Pinch back the stems frequently to make the plant bushy and discourage legginess.
Increasing the amount of sunlight can also help reduce legginess.
Fortunately, the plant readily recovers, even from intense wilting.
Potted plants growing indoors during dry winter months will also need frequent watering.
Persian shield makes a striking border plant, particularly when paired with soft gray greens or chartreuse.
It also makes a pleasing contrast with oranges and blends well withpurple-flowering plants.
It works best in large gardens with lots of color diversity.
Persian Shield, Strobilanthes dyerianus.University of Wisconsin Division of Horticulture.
