Eyelash Sage

water plants when the top inch (2.5 cm.) of soil feels dry to the touch. Water until it flows out of the drainage holes, then allow it to drain completely. During the summer, you may need to water more frequently depending on the weather and soil. Keep an eye on the soil and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

Outdoors in partial sun and full shade, this sage plant prefers light shade for best results. When planting indoors, choose a location in a room that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight. Leaves will turn yellow if there’s too much direct sun, or if the soil doesn’t have enough nutrients.

Eyelash Sage prefers temperatures that do not dip below 60°F (16°C). In the winter, bring the plant indoors where the temperature is more consistent and won’t drop below 60°F (16°C). When bringing indoors, make sure to acclimate it to the new environment before pushing it to its full potential.

Eyelash Sage prefers temperatures of 65% to 70%, but it can tolerate humidity levels lower than this. When growing indoors, make sure to put the plant in a room with relatively high humidity or use pebble trays lined with water to raise humidity levels.

Eyelash sage prefers a well-drained potting mix that contains equal parts loam, peat, and compost with a handful of extra perlite. During spring and summer, fertilize the plant every two weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Fertilize the Eyelash Sage in the spring and summer when it is actively growing. Feed with a balanced all-purpose liquid fertilizer and reapply every two weeks, or as directed on the fertilizer's instructions. During the winter, don’t fertilize as the plant is not actively growing.

Several insects tend to target this species, including mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Signs of a pest infestation would be webbing, yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and wilted flowers. To rid your plant of pests, you can introduce beneficial insects like green lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory mites. As a last resort, you can use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to get rid of the pests.

Eyelash Sage does best when its roots have room to spread. To give it more room, repot the plant in a bigger pot or container every two years, or as needed. When choosing a pot or container, make sure it offers ample drainage, as the plant does not like to sit in soggy soil.

Pruning is essential for this plant as it encourages stronger and fuller growth. Light pruning is recommended throughout the growing season to maintain size and shape. Major pruning should only be done in the spring, as removing too much in the fall can be damaging to the plant.

Mulch with organic compost or shredded bark to help retain moisture and control weeds. The mulch should be about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) thick. Make sure to rake away any excess mulch as it can lead to fungal and rot problems.

Propagation of Eyelash Sage is relatively easy and can be done through cuttings or layering. To propagate through cuttings, take a non-flowering stem and dip it in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a potting mix and keep in indirect light. For layering, put the lower branch of the plant in the soil, keeping it in place with a rock, and the roots will form from the branch as it grows.

Once the plant reaches two feet (0.6 m) in height, it may require some support, such as a stake or trellis. Taller varieties of Eyelash Sage may need to be staked. If needed, use a thin stake or bamboo stick so it doesn’t damage the shallow root system.

Eyelash Sage is a semi-evergreen plant and can go dormant in cold weather. During the dormant phase, cut back on watering and don’t fertilize or prune. When the temperatures start to warm up, the plant will start to show signs of new growth.

Eyelash Sage is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.