Artillery Plant

The Artillery Plant is not a particularly thirsty plant and can tolerate a few days of drier conditions. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch; do not let the soil become too soggy. A quick misting once or twice a week is preferable to in-depth watering. To minimize water waste, use a shallow drip tray rather than a deep one, and make sure any excess water is discarded from the tray.

The Artillery Plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, with exposure to direct sun kept to a minimum. When caring for the plant indoors, be sure to place it in an area that receives adequate light without receiving too much sun at once, as this can encourage overgrowth or burning of the leaves. This plant does well in both artificial and natural light. If your houseplant is not receiving enough natural light, you may choose to supplement the light with fluorescent or LED bulbs.

The Artillery Plant prefers temperatures between 50-85°F (10-29°C). Extreme temperatures can cause the leaves to drop and the plant to suffer, so make sure to keep an eye on the temperature reading. Avoid direct drafts, and don't place your plant in anything that could create that kind of environment.

The Artillery Plant prefers humid conditions but can tolerate dry air as well; 30 to 50 percent relative humidity is ideal. If humidity levels are low, you may choose to use a humidifier or place the plant in a pebble-filled tray, filled with water, to increase moisture levels. Additionally, misting the leaves of the plant up to once a week can help prevent any drying or wilting of the leaves.

The Artillery Plant prefers soil that is loose, well-draining, and organic-rich. It does not need to have extra nutrients added to it as long as it is kept in a well-balanced soil conditioner. The Artillery Plant does not like to stay too wet or too dry; it is important to choose the right soil depending on how much water you will be giving your plant.

Fertilizing your Artillery Plant is essential for optimal growth. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, once a month during the Spring and Summer. It is also important to use a water-soluble fertilizer or liquid fertilizer at least once a month. During colder months, refrain from fertilizing the plant or use a diluted fertilizer to prevent over-fertilizing it.

The Artillery Plant is prone to common pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. To identify common pests, examine the underside of leaves and the stem for any sign of pests. When pests have been identified, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. Be sure to treat the entire plant and all visible pests for full eradication. Additionally, you may choose to use insecticidal soap for full eradication.

Repot your Artillery Plant once its roots fill all of the pot’s soil. During the spring season, repot your plant by moving it up one pot size. Check that the new pot is only slightly larger than the current pot. Change the soil mixture every other year and, if possible, use fresh soil. If the Artillery Plant is root-bound, gently loosen its roots and trim them back if needed.

Pruning the Artillery Plant is important in controlling the vigor and shape of the plant. Prune using a pair of scissors early in spring to remove any excess foliage or dead leaves. Prune only the affected areas, and, if possible, use sterilized scissors and gloves to prevent the spread of bacteria. Be sure to not cut more than one-third of the stems and foliage.

Mulching is an important way to protect your Artillery Plant from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. It is best to use natural mulch, such as bark chips, dried leaves, or wood chips. Make sure to not use too much mulch, as this can lead to too much water retention and can cause root rot.

The Artillery Plant can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, cut a 4- to 6-inch offshoot from the stem of an established Artillery Plant. For leaf cuttings, cut a single leaf and follow the same procedure as stem cuttings. Place the cutting in well-drained soil. Water the soil, making sure not to drown the cutting. Cover it with a dome or clear container to increase humidity and keep the soil moist. Place it in indirect sunlight and wait for roots to form.

The Artillery Plant may require additional support in order to stay upright. You may choose to use a stake or trellis, but make sure to keep the stakes and trellises far enough away from the base of the plant to avoid damaging the roots.

The Artillery Plant does not require a specific rest period. However, growth can be slowed in winter due to the low temperatures. If desired, let the moisture levels of the soil diminish slightly during this period, which will slow the plant’s growth rate.

The Artillery Plant is not toxic to pets; however, pets should not eat it. If ingested, the plant can cause an upset stomach. Monitor your pet if it eats any part of the plant and seek medical advice if necessary.