Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) care and propagation

The persian shield (or STROBILANTHES DYERIANUS in latin) is a gorgeous plant hailing from Myanmar. Its got reptile-like texture on the leaves and an iridescent purple that is unique to its species. The care is relatively easy for this plant, It wants direct sunlight and never allowed to dry out completely. But this does not mean you can drown this plant with water because it will not forgive you for it. This plant is commonly used in landscaping or outdoor gardening and can withstand mild frost. I propagate this plant in water and directly into soil, showing you the results of both propagations in an update at the end of the video. Enjoy!
My instagram: @bo.tan.ist
Jazz background music made by Rhythm Alley
/ rhythmalley.taiwan
Background music are created by me exclusively for this channel.

[@christylilbit6334]

I REALLY appreciate how you always do a follow up with ALL your propagations in the SAME video! Plus, how you try multiple propagation styles and show us which one worked the best for each plant!! Thank you SOOO much for such informative videos! Keep up the GREAT work!!!

[@onlyplants]

Haha yessss I love documenting and experimenting. I wished someone showed me how to do these in detail!

[@LuxxVee]

Same!! 🥰

[@elmerbaez6784]

I purchased a Persian Shield plant several weeks ago. I have it sitting on a window sill and it gets good morning sunshine. However, you are right about the watering. One morning I saw it completely limp and right away I watered it. I thought it was too late because the soil was very dry. After a while, the plant came back to life and I was happy about it. So now I am keeping an eye on it. Thank you for sharing the information.

[@katherinelandreth2191]

I so appreciate the amount of time you put into these videos. And I love that you do a whole process in one video. It must take a lot of effort and organization to keep track of everything, but it's so helpful. Thank you!!

[@onlyplants]

😀 its worth the effort! I wish someone did these videos when I was starting out... I killed so many plants trying!

[@mirindajestajoj6565]

Your plants spread out like butterflies.

[@trilogyleadershipacademy861]

Thank you for this video. Someone gifted me with one. After watching, I propagated 5 cuttings!

[@onlyplants]

Yayee

[@georgeville9533]

Thanks for getting me into plants, Sean! I'm an 18 year old student and have a few plants, got a baby persian shield today!

[@onlyplants]

Whoaaaa good luck on that plant. Be sure to blast it with the best light but never let it dry out 😀

[@colorfullifettt5251]

You have soooo much patience to continue putting updates in the same video. It's soo helpful and satisfying to see the results! Thanks!

[@mardhatinajwa3589]

Sean definitely don’t discriminate plant by it price .. it is a beautiful plant indeed.. 👍.

[@onlyplants]

Price? Whats that? Lol. All plants are special and beautiful.

[@gingermay6271]

I have this, its beautiful and I was able to propagate it and keep it over the winter. I'm planting it and some of its kids outside again. It produces a little lily like flower

[@daniellamomshievlog7139]

Thank you for sharing of how to propagate this plant,I do this to my persian shield plant.

[@JerilynnSchultz]

So glad I found your videos. I'm learning about so many plants to propagate. You explain the process very well. Hello from Texas!😊

[@onlyplants]

Hello ❤️😀

[@angie8624]

I got this plant today, and my first thought was my purple passion plant that’s what it reminded me of.

[@andrewgibb8846]

My first and only plant my wife trusts me to have 😁 As a form of therapy after a rough time in my life, keeping a flower has helped me appreciate life and nature much more. I’ve propagated many trimmings from this plant, I fill a shallow Tupperware dish with warm water (room temperature) cover top with plastic wrap (thin) poke hole for the stem and keep an eye on the evaporation of the water, keep it topped up. After a month the roots are growing and ready to plant. It’s a wonderful cycle.

[@onlyplants]

Whoaaa thanks for the tips. Hope things are looking up for you now.

[@dianakidd5688]

Great tutorial on caring for Persian Shield! I have 3 new plants & love the look of them ~ Your suggestions are a huge help to caring for, AND propagating these beauties!

[@IamQueueQueue]

Love the time-lapse instruction you provide all in one view! Brilliant. Feel confident chopping off the top of my single stemmed persian in hopes that it bushes put for me. Thank you!

[@IamQueueQueue]

Out*

[@onlyplants]

😀😀

[@leelalo6625]

This is one I wanted but never bothered to get. Thank you for this video. What a beautiful plant.

[@onlyplants]

Yeah this ones so underrated

[@janetbenson9163]

so so happy to see the follow up in the same video. Thank you Thank you!!!

[@onlyplants]

You’re welcome. I have hundreds of episodes across many species just like this 😀 do give them a look

[@zentel3717]

Thank you for shouting out Burma, Sean! I just ordered my Burmese shield today😋😊🙃

[@H2H-9339]

a plant that has pretty leaves. Happy listening. Greetings from our hobby in Indonesia🙏👍❣️

[@grat2010]

So pretty. I appreciate that you give us the updates when you propogate.

[@sharonstokes5214]

Needed this information. Great video. I see you have the plant in aa small pot

[@celinef.9627]

Hello Sean,wonderful foliage indeed,waouh!!👍😉 Have a nice day 🌿

[@GuavabananaClips]

I am learning new plant from you day by day, thank you for giving us inspiration and instruction

[@xien8860]

I love your passion for plants! 😊🤍🌺

[@onlyplants]

Thank you ❤️

[@scox7748]

So helpful to have 2 updates. I love the persian shield. Im going to get on tokped for some of your jungle floor and propagate them today!!!

[@goretex99]

I just got this at a nursery. Very pretty! Great video!

[@onlyplants]

Thank you

[@patgunn974]

Tqvm for this video 🙏🏻 I have a Persian Plant and I have not tried to propogate it.. I will try to propogate on soil instead of water. Tq tq

[@lovelikelivia]

Yeah mine isn't doing so well from the 3rd week of acquiring it. The main stem got very dried and twiggy and lost pretty much all of those tiny leaves so I'm going to lob off the top and propagate whatever smaller branches it has going in both water and soil method. Thank you for your video it inspired me to do something (anything!) in hopes of rescuing my Persian Shield

[@onlyplants]

Yaye. They propagate much easier than to rehab/rescue. Good luck!

[@angelitaesdicul5597]

Thanks for this info(how to propagate persian shield). I can now grow more of this beautiful plant.

[@AllGreenThings4975]

Thank you for sharing I love that plants beautiful watching from California

[@DahliaDrew423]

Thank you so much for this video I just bought this beauty today from Walmart and my poor baby broke 😢 now I know how to save it😅. Thank you so much and I’m definitely a new Sub

[@onlyplants]

Yaye 😀

[@ChelseaSaldanha]

Thank you so much for this video. I just propagated my Persian shield in soil after watching your video. Hoping it works this time. And i believe I'm over watering my main Persian shield which is why it has lost its purple sheen, it's more green and white.

[@onlyplants]

I have a feeling its a light issue. More light might bring out more purple?

[@alexanderkomang3440]

Tanaman yang cantik, dan sangat gampang di perbanyak. Sy punya banyak di tanam di halaman.

[@dominicflorio5708]

This is a very common plant for sale in Florida. Thanks for the tips.

[@lindadianamurrell6653]

💚Never heard of this plant before...the foliage colour is stunning!

[@charliemalinis5028]

I finally got one today :) hopefully i don't kill it hahahaha. I appreciate the care tips. Thank you thank you thank you

[@ElvisElana]

Good plant to make colourful garden. We ❤️ it

[@rosesparks5148]

I love Persian shields. I've been planning to do an indoor potting arrangement with them this spring.

[@angeloservilla6206]

Thanks Sean! I have been waiting for this! My Persian Shield is not in the best shape at the moment. Awesome tips as always! :) Always looking forward to your videos. Greetings from the Philippines!

[@eliana6474]

Excellent follow-up 👍🏼💯ty! 🎉

[@onlyplants]

😀🙏🏽

[@sydneybanbury5142]

6:43 the gel on ur propagation is killing it

[@patricesichon1346]

i really enjoyed and learned a lot from this video. than kyouuuu

[@chrisnguyen2426]

Love your plants

[@tamekahill2826]

Love the Persian shield.Happy growing and stay safe.

[@arrobinson2191]

Just bought one today. Thx for the info! 💜

[@robbynkezlan3988]

Your Persian Shields look amazing. I have been growing them high in the Rocky Mountains and have struggled to keep the plant happy in the dry climate here. I am starting to dial it in and really enjoy this plant!

[@onlyplants]

They are now growing like weed everywhere because I keep sticking cuttings everywhere it shouldnt be lol

[@EmpyrealSin]

Omg yessss i need this! Chop mine a week ago dan sudah almarhum 😅😅😅 Terima kasih sean

[@onlyplants]

😀 good luck with it

[@josephpomarsabido1545]

I love Persian shield plants too! We have around 5-7 pots at home. They really make garden linings especially when the foliage is thick! *One pot was stolen from our garden by some children.

[@SDF1982]

I'm in north Florida and bought 4 of these plants..I have to have raised beds due to the ground holding water (north Florida 😂) I fold mine do better in 5 gallon pots vs in the ground where it's raised... thanks for the video..got a new sub

[@onlyplants]

Thank you, welcome to the channel 🙌🏽

[@nadiasnailnirvana]

Got one today...I'm scared but I'm gonna try it fully indoors with a grow light on it at all times.

[@onlyplants]

Yeppp they do well with realt good light. But become very thirsty fellas once they get good light

[@roo288]

woohoo get my friday going 😊 and what a pretty plant!

[@ikapai2982]

I dont know why but it seems plants are happier in your care 🥲 so envy...

[@onlyplants]

Haha I actually almsot killed this plant before. It takes time and practice! 😀

[@aggiehasselfield731]

Very timely, I just got 4 little Persian Shield plants 😃

[@soulfulspec]

Omg this is gorgeous

[@cmfornow]

I got two healthy Persian shields and plan to propagate them. So who did I turn to for expert help? You, of course! So glad you had a video dedicated to this one. I had a few last year outside and they must have been thirsty, like you said, and dried up and died pretty fast. I feel better prepared now and ready to cut the tall pieces off and propagate them. Thank you! 🙌

[@onlyplants]

Haha good luck! They do better in soil propagation than water I find

[@cmfornow]

@@onlyplants Thank you! 😂 I potted up 10 cuttings and dipped them in some hormone and I’ll have to keep an eye on them so they don’t dry up. I hope they root well. 🙏🏻

[@fitz1494]

looks like a begonia version of so many tradescantias! i love purple and green foliage

[@QurratHyder]

Thanks for sharing sir

[@onlyplants]

You’re most welcome dear

[@leahwalker9868]

Forest floor soil...best description ever! Can you share what makes up your planting medium 🙂. Thanks for your great videos!

[@mathilda6763]

I think he already made videos about his soil mixes.☺

[@onlyplants]

Please check out my video gallery, I had 4 videos on soil and potting mixes 😀 they are useful across many varieties of plants

[@plantcorewh0re844]

I was gifted one about the same time this video released! At first I didn’t care for it because it was sold as an annual, but it’s so resilient I’ve really grown to love this plant🥲 I just took cuttings and put them w the parent plant to fill out the pot more and can’t wait to see if they take root! Any tips for winter care?

[@onlyplants]

Theres no winters here but some say they do go dormant with low temperatures and bounce back when its warm. However Im not sure what zone they live in 😅

[@bgjblue]

I was thinking he would do the same thing to help make it look bushier/filler! 😊

[@reyhosein2533]

I've always loved this plant, I had initially gotten wrong information from the seller, saying direct light, and she looked bad quickly, so I moved her to bright indirect light and now we are good friends. 😁😁

[@onlyplants]

Ooooo interesting mine did well in direct sunlight 😀

[@noelle7714]

It’s a beautiful plant, but it’s sold as a annual here in the summer. (Wisconsin) The cutting that’s in soil the leaves got huge.

[@leniramirez8975]

Thank you for sharing💗

[@onlyplants]

Welcome 😀🙌🏻

[@zulmabontiffe487]

Just purchased 2 plants today. I had never seen this plant before in my local garden center. Another customer was also looking at them and we got talking about them, She knew about the plant and told me the same information you just gave. They ARE STUNNING !! its an annual according to the sticker.Would this plant do well indoors as a houseplant by a very bright window.??? Would hate to have to discard it after summer here in GEORGIA. Thanks so much for the video.:)

[@onlyplants]

Yes they can live well indoors by a bright window 😀

[@janetshepherd9062]

Love that beauty.

[@walterritter3157]

I enjoyed this video about Persian Shield very much. Your presentation is so clear and thorough. A question: have you seen the bloom this plant produces? I think it is quite pretty yet it is rarely mentioned. The blooms are bell-shaped, purple, lavender, and white about 3 cm high and 2 cm wide at the widest. They do not hang like bells; they generally face upward in clusters of 3~6 flowers. Thanks so much for your detailed and clear presentation.

[@onlyplants]

Oo ive not seen them flower before. But it would make sense that they can. Their leaves are already so spectacular on their own. I’ll keep an eye out 😀

[@lisaadams5048]

loveplants62 . So pretty yes its lovin the dirt awesome.

[@jordanriggs3943]

Thank you!!

[@onlyplants]

Yaye ❤️

[@dakinikiss9413]

Thank you so much!!

[@onlyplants]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ezzatulhaziyah6645]

I got a few Persians this morning and they were beautiful and I'm starting on gardening so I know absolutely nothing about Persians so this helps out so much! I'm gonna put my Persians into pots later afternoon

[@onlyplants]

They get big fast. Prune them often ya!

[@katrinahuff9550]

This is my first year growing Persian Shield, so I have been looking at how to preserve cuttings over winter. It was not easy to find! I would also like to know about the plant behind you, to your left, below the staghorn. It looks interesting. I have created my own little micro-climate in what was previously a very barren public housing landscape, and I enjoy researching new plants to add to my little jungle.

[@onlyplants]

Is it potentially the huperzia? I should have covered it in a video titled all my plants 😀

[@katrinahuff9550]

@@onlyplants looking that it, it looks right! Thanks so much!

[@VJS49]

Thankyou

[@onlyplants]

Thank you too ❤️

[@coagulatedsalts4711]

can you do a video on plants that get done dirty? like old reliable plants such as the ficus benjamania? its everywhere but no one thinks its pretty, but the variegated form is beautiful.

[@JassminaVellucci]

I just bought this plant today.

[@onlyplants]

Good luck with it. Its so pretty... but they need very good light

[@JassminaVellucci]

@@onlyplants Yes it’s very pretty. I love the color. Thank you for the tip. I’m going to follow the care.

[@kanttcreate]

Btw i am u r fan from myanmar.

[@onlyplants]

Thank you, hope you guys are staying safe there. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@monicablond1004]

Thanks for you vidoes. My Persian shield has flowered. Can I still propagate it?

[@onlyplants]

Yess i would cut the flowers before propagating as it can take a lot of energy away from the propagation process

[@sonidarmawan3587]

Hey sean 👋 Please show me your episcia collection and how you care for them. Thankyou

[@onlyplants]

Will be doing an episcia care and propagation video soon 😀

[@livingwithinne1756]

Before seeing this video I thought my Persian Shield is a very underrated plant since I never saw any posting about this plant. I have one among my full sun coverage plant. I promise to make a post about this Persian Shield asap tomorrow. . 😊

[@onlyplants]

Yeah not many people post about this plant which is a shame! 😀

[@faery221]

I had one for 4 years, I wintered it and it grew to be 6 ft tall! Sadly last year it died, I'm not sure why. I did take cuttings. I got a new this year and it is very leafy and looks like it has a flower bud! I am anxiously waiting to see!

[@onlyplants]

Good call on the cuttings. They can be brought back in Spring 😀

[@jaskaur5127]

What a beautiful plant. I love anything purple . Will try to get one and see if I can keep it alive.

[@roberthemedes1064]

I have been growing persian shield outside of my home in California. I have a coastal climate since I live several miles away from the ocean. It can handle mild winters, but during the colder months, the metallic color fades away. The irridescent purple color returns during the warmer months, especially during summer.

[@e.salinas6553]

My first plant can I leave indoor? I wanted to put it outside but I’m afraid too much direct light will kill it I live in the Valley in California

[@roberthemedes1064]

@@e.salinas6553 I think the valley would be too extreme for Persian shield unless it was in a protected area from frost during Winter and too much heat/too much light in Summer. They prefer partial shade when growing in Coastal areas of Southern CA. They can probably handle high heat but only in high humidity conditions and the Valley is too dry during the summer.

[@e.salinas6553]

@@roberthemedes1064 ok thanks for the info.

[@ronfletcher8969]

thanks for your info, do you have to grow in a pot? can I put it in the ground?

[@onlyplants]

Oh yes they are wonderful in grounds. But they can grow too fast so you have to propagate often

[@Crunchyasf]

I love my persian shield 🙈🙈 lol I named mine barney because of the purple lmao

[@claudiakaitlynn6607]

Kihaaaaa you just received my subssss

[@onlyplants]

Whoaaa welcome to the channel ❤️

[@sirazammonira2188]

plant guru✨

[@onlyplants]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@PennellaOnTheRoad]

Do you add any fertilizer into the watering?

[@onlyplants]

Sometimes I do. Every 1-3 months when I have time 😀

[@catkit7349]

I couldn't actually see where u cut the plant for propagating. did you cut it from below or above the node? And does it need to have those tiny tiny leaves on it to propagating? Thanks!

[@onlyplants]

Below the node please. And it can be a bare stem without the baby leaves already showing. The baby leaves will appear in every node

[@MrDanaPrima]

Heyya Sean, nice looking plant... 👋😊 Is this plant in the same family with Coleus varieties? Because I think it has some similar foliage pattern and the hairy build on its leafs, also the same thirst as Coleus do... Previously due to its purplish/violet coloring, I thought this "Persian Shield" was the same with "Adam & Hawa" plant (in the local plant name), but it turned out that plant in mind is in the category of Tradescantia padilla sp...

[@onlyplants]

I have a feeling its different family entirely 😀

[@onlyplants]

Yess adam hawa is a tradescantia 😀

[@AnneshaSarkar04]

Hello Sir, I'm from India! I too have this plant & I love it..It was kept in indirect sunlight bright verandah from past one year & was now growing well but from past two days I'm noticing that all the leaves have drooped, the way you have shown ..and I guess my Maa over watered it as the soil seems very soggy. Plz suggest what shall I do now to save my plant!! Also we live in a hot region & it's summers out here🙏

[@onlyplants]

I would increase light, they love to be in direct sunlight actually. They droop when underwatered, but perk up immediately after watering

[@onlyplants]

They are very thirsty if you give them good light

[@AnneshaSarkar04]

Thanks a lot😊 I actually repotted it and kept it in some sunlight area yesterday as I saw the pot soil was full of worms and also propagated a stem in water, let's see 😊🙏

[@davecurran792]

What is in a forest floor potting mix?

[@onlyplants]

I have a video with that same title. See if you can find it on youtube search bar. You can also mix your own depending on what ingredients are available in your area. The idea is to keep the potting medium loose and airy.

[@AndrewCooperReinspired]

Hi Sean I have 2 Persian shield plants 1 seems to be doing excellent the other I'm not quite sure about. It has begun to flower but it seems like the plant stops growing after it flowers. Any advice?

[@onlyplants]

I cant make any assesment based on this limited information… are they grown in the same area and cared for the same way?

[@AndrewCooperReinspired]

@onlyplants same pot too lol.

[@web2yt488]

Thanks babe My leaves and wilting...but my soil is moist. How do I make a soil mix with drainage?

[@onlyplants]

It might wilt when the roots were damaged by dryness or rot. Or if its a recently propagated plant they tend to wilt until they have enough roots to bring moisture to the leaves

[@web2yt488]

@@onlyplants wow thanks. It was a cutting...that i rooted in water (for too long as some fungus occured) and then on a flight it had some root damage. So hopefully you're spot on ... Small growth is coming back at nodes. I think I might add some perlite and use a rock bed for humidity thanks

[@Doris-y5v]

Please help!! mine plant has brown edges leaves ,they are in filter light,moist soil why are they brown if you know I appreciate it

[@onlyplants]

Give them direct sunlight, and water frequently as they are very thirsty plants 😀

[@vivientan8272]

Thx for sharing. Bought a persian shield a month back. It came with rather big leaves but in a small pot. Seller said 'no need to repot' but I am a bit doubtful. To me, plant seems ok for the time being but can't say for sure in a few weeks' time if I were to leave it in that pot. Any advice? Thx in advance 😄

[@onlyplants]

I would check the root ball. If it seems packed with roots perhaps you can repot it. If not I would leave it as it is. This plant dont need a lot of root space, but you should probably propagate often to create fuller plant. It will look better that way

[@vivientan8272]

Thx so much . Greatly appreciated .👍😄

[@MelMel-hu2ui]

I want to plant mine outside. What's the best soil for them. Zone 11. South Florida.

[@onlyplants]

They can live in most potting soil for outdoor gardening. Mine thrived in my general potting mix, theres a video with this title on my channel 😀

[@MelMel-hu2ui]

@@onlyplants Ok. Thank you!! 😁

[@catkit7349]

Can you cut/propagate your plant any season/time? Thanks!

[@onlyplants]

Yes you can so long as you give it humidity and light - even if it is artificially

[@EmAyTea6]

Greetings from the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.. When I take a cutting too propagate, will it regrow from where it's cut? Bit of a novice with this plant, only bought my first one recently. Thanks

[@onlyplants]

Yes it will regrow with more branches below in fact. But it needs 2-3 months time to do so

[@jaycee6593]

My Persian Shield has some leaves with white stripes instead of purple. Is that normal?

[@onlyplants]

Im not entirely sure… perhaps its another variety of the same plant. Ive not encountered it before though. Were the other plants at the store looking the same?

[@ED-gz8vr]

hi there..Can I Get this Plant inside like the Bedroom? I don't have much space..

[@onlyplants]

They need direct light 😀

[@ED-gz8vr]

@@onlyplants thank you I keep that in mind..my Growing Light might do some help.

[@MrJamiesilaban]

I'm distracted with that medinella/parijoto at the background. Hoping you'd make a video about the care for local medinella (not magnifica. Forgot the latin name for the local medinella/parijoto).

[@onlyplants]

I believe mine is the medinilla myriantha

[@MrJamiesilaban]

@@onlyplants I see. Gorgeus! Mine's been blooming but the flowers fell off. Prolly because no suitable (or any) polinators.

[@janecurtis5726]

Instead of removing the big leaves of the Strobilanthe when making a cutting, you can just cut them in half. There is a window box designer that has successfully used Strobilanthe in mixed plantings. They were gorgeous!! This is in the coastal Northeast town of Newburyport, MA, USA.

[@onlyplants]

Thank youu

[@BayouChicGardening]

Barbara Prietz