Fairy Duster

Fairy Duster should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season, this plant needs to be watered deeply, making sure that the soil is completely saturated. During the winter, the soil should be dry to the touch before watering again.

Fairy Duster prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade for part of the day. In cooler climates, the plant should receive either direct or indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. In hotter climates, it should be sheltered from the harshest afternoon sun.

Fairy Duster prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 Celsius). In winter, if the plant is kept indoors, the temperature should not go below 50 F (10 C).

This plant prefers higher levels of humidity and does its best in climates with 30-70% humidity. If the air is too dry, regular misting or a humidifier can help keep the leaves from drying out.

Fairy Duster is best grown in a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A good potting mix should have loam, perlite, and peat moss, as well as some organic matter.

Fairy Duster should be fertilized with a liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract about once a month during the active growing season. During the winter rest period, the plant should not be fertilized.

Fairy Duster is usually fairly pest-free, but can sometimes be prone to aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Regular inspections should be done to check for pests. If any are found, they should be removed by hand, with a cotton swab, or a strong spray of water. Natural insecticidal soap or horticultural oil also work well for treating infestations.

Fairy Duster should generally be repotted every year. The best time to do this is in the spring, as the shrub is just starting to come out of its winter dormancy. Repotting should be done with a well-draining potting mix and a pot that has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Fairy Duster can benefit from regular pruning, especially if it is kept indoors. Any dead or diseased branches should be removed and light pruning to shape the shrub can be done anytime during the active growing season. The plant will not flower if pruned too severely.

Mulching with organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, or compost can help protect the roots of this plant during winter. It will also help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fairy Dusts is typically propagated by stem cuttings, which should be taken in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, young stems and placed in moist potting mix. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks. If grown outdoors, the cuttings should be partially shaded.

This shrub does not usually require any support. However, if the plant is tall or sprawling, a trellis or other supports may be necessary.

Fairy Duster will go dormant in winter, as long as the temperature remains below 50 F (10 C). During this period, the soil should be kept dry and the plant should not be watered or fertilized.

Fairy Duster is not known to be toxic to pets or humans.