Lady's Mantle

Lady's Mantle takes quite a bit of water to thrive and this should be done at least two or three times a week. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. During the winter months, the plant should be watered less to simulate a period of dormancy.

Lady's Mantle loves bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. If it is in full sun, the foliage will become scorched and turn brown. To keep this plant looking its best, it should be placed in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.

Lady's Mantle grows best in cooler climates, where temperatures range from 45-65°F (7-18°C). It can tolerate a range of temperatures from 30-75°F (-1 - 24°C). In warmer climates, the plant will need more shade and protection from wind.

Lady's Mantle prefers moderate humid environments with a humidity level of >70% in the summer and >45% in the winter. It should not be kept in dry indoor air, since this can stunt its growth and lead to dehydration.

Lady's Mantle prefers a soil that is rich in organic material but with good drainage. It thrives in slightly acidic, lighter soil with added sand and compost to improve drainage and create an airy texture. The ideal pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5.

In the spring, Lady's Mantle should be fertilized every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Water the fertilizer in thoroughly, and do not over-fertilize since this can burn the roots of the plant. During the summer months, it is only necessary to fertilize once every two months. In the fall, fertilizing is not necessary since this can lead to faster growth which the plant is not prepared to sustain in colder temperatures.

Lady's Mantle can be affected by common garden pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, and thrips. If not controlled in time, these can lead to stunted growth of the plant. To eradicate them, use insecticidal products found in gardening stores or spray the plant with a mixture of warm water and dishwashing soap. You may also use predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pests. Additionally, avoid overhead watering since this can spread disease.

Lady's Mantle needs to be repotted every two years. To protect its roots, use a potting soil that is rich in organic matter. When repotting, ensure the rootball is undisturbed and be sure to provide good drainage. You should also be careful not to water-log the plant.

Lady's Mantle should be pruned annually to maintain its shape and size. After flowering, deadhead the flower stalks and cut back any stems that have become overgrown. Pruning also helps the plant to bush out to create a fuller look.

Mulching Lady's Mantle helps keep the soil moist and stabilized around the plant while also providing an extra layer of insulation during the winter months. The mulch also helps to control weeds and keep fungal diseases in check. Use a two-inch layer of organic mulch such as pine bark or hay.

Lady's Mantle can be easily propagated from seeds as well as cuttings. To propagate from seeds, place the seeds in a wet paper towel in a plastic bag and place them in a warm spot until the seeds germinate. Once they have germinated, the seedlings can be planted in pots. To propagate from cuttings, select a stem with healthy foliage and cut it off above a set of leaves. Place the cutting in a wet paper towel until the roots appear, then place it in a pot with well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and in a few weeks you will see new growth.

Lady's Mantle does not need any additional support. It is a strong, self-supporting plant that will not need to be staked or tied.

Lady's Mantle does not require a rest period but it is important to cut back on watering for several months during the winter so that the plant is not water-logged. If the plant is not kept in a well-ventilated area, it may begin to rot.

Lady's Mantle is not toxic to pets.