{"product_id":"persian-shield-strobilanthes-dyeriana","title":"Strobilanthes dyeriana - Persian Shield","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFamed for its shimmering, iridescent foliage, Persian Shield is a true statement houseplant. Its elongated leaves display a striking mix of metallic purple, silver, and deep green, with vivid veining that almost appears hand-painted. Grown indoors, it brings rich colour and drama to bright rooms and works beautifully as a feature plant or grouped with greener foliage for contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eStrobilanthes dyeriana\u003c\/i\u003e (named in honour of Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer, former director of Kew Gardens)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNo major reclassifications. The species has remained within the \u003ci\u003eStrobilanthes\u003c\/i\u003e genus, part of the Acanthaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePersian Shield\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to Myanmar (Burma), where it grows in warm, humid forest environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBright, indirect light is ideal. Some gentle morning or late afternoon sun can enhance leaf colour, but strong direct sunlight may scorch the foliage. Low light will cause colours to fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep the compost lightly moist during the growing season, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers higher humidity. Thrives in bathrooms or kitchens, or with the help of a pebble tray or regular misting, especially during the heating season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a rich but free-draining houseplant compost, ideally with added perlite for airflow. Repot annually in spring to refresh the soil and encourage bushy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every 2 waters during the growing season with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser. Pause feeding in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIdeal temperature range is 18–26°C. Avoid temperatures below 12°C and keep away from cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eToxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage a fuller, bushier plant and prevent it becoming leggy indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePersian Shield can be grown outdoors as a seasonal plant in summer, but must be brought back indoors well before temperatures drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe metallic sheen of the leaves is caused by specialised cells that reflect light, helping the plant maximise light capture in shaded forest conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"13cm","offer_id":43712571703549,"sku":"3861146838671","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/products\/persian-shield-strobilanthes-dyeriana-874350.jpg?v=1674856335","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/persian-shield-strobilanthes-dyeriana","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}