False Solomon's Seal

False Solomon's Seal usually requires regular watering during its first season. After it is established, it is drought tolerant and does not need additional watering. If rainfall is sparse or the weather has been particularly hot and dry, Watering every two weeks is usually enough to avoid dehydration.

False Solomon's Seal is tolerant of both full shade and partial shade. In areas with particularly scorching summers it may need more shade to stay cool. If planted in full sun, it needs to be well watered to prevent scorching of the leaves. Once the plant is established it tolerates heat better.

False Solomon's Seal tolerates cold temperatures down to -30F (-34.4C). It prefers moderate temperatures of 55-80F (12.7-26.6C). The plant is not tolerant of temperatures above 100F (37.7C).

False Solomon's Seal prefers high humidity, but can tolerate low-humidity environments. When growing in dry climates, misting the plant leaves on occasion can help maintain the desired humidity levels. Growing in containers will reduce evaporative losses, and the potting soil will help maintain moisture.

False Solomon's Seal prefers rich, moist, and well-draining soil. It can tolerate various soil types, but a loamy soil is the best. Mulching with compost, shredded bark, or other organic material can help maintain soil moisture.

False Solomon's Seal requires moderate fertilization for good growth and blooms. Fertilize monthly beginning in late spring and continue through the summer with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. In the fall and winter, reduce fertilization to once every 6 weeks.

Common pests of False Solomon's Seal are mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Treating with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil or activating beneficial predators, such as ladybugs, to prey on the pests, can help keep the plant healthy. Pruning off heavily infested foliage can help reduce the infestation.

False Solomon's Seal tolerates being pot-bound. It can be repotted in the spring before the growth start if desired. When repotting, move the plant to a larger pot with fresh potting soil and ensure the soil has adequate drainage. The pot should be shallow, providing space for the roots to spread.

False Solomon's Seal can have stems that are bare near the ground. To keep it looking attractive, you should deadhead the spent flowers. Trim back very long stems to keep the growth tidy. Prune long stems close to the base, leaving a few inches of stem to prevent injury.

Mulching with compost, shredded bark, or shredded leaves should be done around the base of the plant to help maintain moisture in the soil. Do not mulch too thickly or too close to the stem as this can cause the stems to rot.

Propagate False Solomon's Seal by taking cuttings in spring. Make the cuttings 2-4 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone, then plant them in a pot with moist potting soil. Place the pot in a protected area until the cuttings are rooted, then transplant into the garden.

False Solomon's Seal stems are not brittle, so staking is unnecessary. This plant does well without support.

False Solomon's Seal does not require a dormant period, but it may benefit from a period of rest after the blooms are finished. During this period, reduce watering and maintain a slightly cooler temperature. After a few weeks of rest, continue to care for the plant as normal.

False Solomon's Seal is not considered toxic to pets.