Grow Light for Strobilanthes: Holding Persian Shield Purple
A grow light for strobilanthes helps Persian shield hold the silver purple shimmer on its leaves indoors. NC State Extension notes low light can wash out the leaf color.
The short answer
NC State Extension notes cool temperatures plus low light can reduce Persian shield leaf color. University of Missouri Extension notes supplemental electric light is usually the easiest way to give plants enough light indoors. Use a full spectrum LED close above the plant on a timer.
How much light does Persian shield need indoors?
UF/IFAS advises partial to full shade for Persian shield in Florida gardens. NC State Extension lists dappled sunlight plus notes dim light dulls the foliage. Indoors that suggests bright light without harsh midday sun, so hang the lamp a little farther from the leaves.
| Factor | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light outdoors | Partial to full shade | Florida gardens (UF/IFAS) |
| Lamp distance | Plant tips 6 to 12 inches away | Light drops fast with distance (Missouri) |
| Hours with window light | 12 to 14 hours | Supplements daylight (Missouri) |
| Daily maximum | No more than 16 hours | Plants need darkness (Maryland) |
| Leaf color | Fades in low light | Cool air plus dim light (NC State) |
Source: UF/IFAS, NC State, University of Missouri plus University of Maryland Extension.
Where should a grow light sit for Persian shield?
Missouri advises placing most plants with their tips 6 to 12 inches from the light source, since intensity drops rapidly with distance. Hang the fixture so it can rise as the plant grows.
How many hours should the light run?
Missouri notes plants with no outdoor light need 16 to 18 hours a day, while 12 to 14 hours may do if some window light reaches them. Maryland advises no more than 16 hours in total. Run lights alongside window light, per Missouri.
How to: step by step
- Set Persian shield in your sunniest window.
- Add a full spectrum LED above the plant.
- Hang the light 6 to 12 inches above the tips.
- Put the light on a timer for a steady day length.
- Watch new growth for color plus spacing between leaves.
- Adjust height or hours as the plant responds.
Troubleshooting
Long, weak stems: low light. Lower the lamp or add hours.
Pale or browning leaves: too much light. Maryland notes excess light turns leaves pale plus brown, so raise the lamp.
Washed out leaves: NC State notes low light plus cool air dull the color. Add light hours or move the plant somewhere warmer.
For lighting see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Persian shield, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana (Persian shield), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
Can Persian shield grow under a regular LED bulb?
University of Missouri Extension notes LED plant lights can be made to give the red plus blue light plants need. Household bulbs give less useful light. Missouri also notes high light plants are harder to grow under home lights, so use a plant LED close above the foliage.
Should the light run all night?
No. University of Maryland Extension notes most plants need a period of darkness to develop properly plus advises no more than 16 hours of light a day in total. University of Missouri Extension suggests 12 to 14 hours when some window light also reaches the plant.
Should Persian shield be pinched?
Yes. UF/IFAS notes the stems can get tall plus flop over, so pinch the plant a few times early on for more branching. NC State Extension also advises pinching back stems for a bushier plant. You can pinch off the small winter flowers too, per UF/IFAS.
Do plants need a dark period?
University of Maryland Extension notes most plants require a period of darkness to develop properly. It advises lighting them no more than 16 hours a day in total, especially when artificial light adds to natural light. Set a timer so the lamp shuts off each night.
What pests bother Persian shield indoors?
NC State Extension advises watching for red spider mites plus fungus gnats when Persian shield is grown indoors. Look under the leaves often for fine webbing. Water only as needed, since gnats like wet potting mix. UF/IFAS notes the plant likes rich, well drained soil with regular watering.
