Question
Hi,

I bought 3 persian shield plants about a month ago and planted them in part sun area just as the tag said.The plants had adapted well and had even grown a inch since.But just today on one of the plants the leaves  started drooping .I water them regularly and the the other 2 plants are doing well and even apart of the same plant also appers healthy.can you please suggest if it needs any fertilizers or some treatment .I tried watering just this plant alone but the crown is still drooped.Please advice

Thanks
Norma

Answer
Hi Norma

Persian Shield prefers well-drained, organic-rich soil. I recommend planting it in morning sun and afternoon shade to keep its brilliant colors from developing a scorched look and to avoid plant drooping due to extreme evaporation. If your partial sun area has morning shade but hot afternoon sun this may be what the plant disagrees with.

You did not mention where you are located ? In very hot parts of the country, full shade may even be a much more appropriate position (such as in the desert south west). If you live in a temperate area,  wait to plant until all danger of frost has passed, then space plants on 18 to 24-inch centers. If exposed to frost the plant may have been damaged ? These plants can not take cold temperatures. What have your nights been like ?

You should not fertilize now. Fertilizer on a stressed plant (which yours clearly is) will only make it worse.

a few things to check:

- is the soil hard, compact, waterlogged ?
 If so, dig up the plants, and mix in plenty of compost or other material to loosen the soil. Then replant.
- make sure it gets regular water the right way.
 Water deeply by giving the plants a deep soaking. Soaker hoses are preferred, but handwatering can be done but require some patience. Do not water the foliage. Make sure the water gets to the soil and is allowed to soak in (water tend to run off if applied too fast). a deep soaking is preferred to a quick shallow watering. Many people mistakenly water a bit every day with a hose or watering can. I prefer to water 1-2 times per week but giving each plant enough water to ensure that it soaks into the soil deeply.
- mulch the soil around the plant with shredded wood shavings (hardwood mulch), compost, or shredded leaves. This will even the temperature and reduce chance of moisture evaporation.
- if planted in hot areas, the plant may droop and protection from hot afternoon sun should be considered.
- check the leaves for instects. If you notice small black dots on the underside of the leaves or other visible insects, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap (see garden center isles for details).

Go head and pinch off the top of the plant. It will not hurt the plant and will actually help it grow more bushy. However, in addition to this, also check the growing conditions as mentioned: good drainage, afternoon shade, mulch around the plants, avoid cold water logged soil, and check for insects.