Miniature Foxglove
Miniature Foxglove is a common houseplant with a miniature appearance that comes from the genus Digitalis. This small perennial has a bright green foliage and small, bell-like flowers. They flowers come in various colors such as purple, white, lilac, and yellow. They can grow to be 12–30 inches tall and 8–12 inches wide and are great additions to any home. They prefer acidic, well-draining soil and prefer indirect sunlight.
Miniature Foxglove should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the growing season it may need to be watered every other week. During the winter, it should be watered when the soil is dry about one to two inches down. Make sure to check the soil before watering to make sure it does not get too wet.
Miniature Foxglove should be placed in an area with indirect sunlight. It needs bright light, but not direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause the leaves of the plant to burn. If the plant is placed on a windowsill, it should not be facing a window that receives a lot of direct sunlight during the day.
Miniature Foxglove should be kept in temperatures between 65–75 degrees Fahrenheit (18–23 degrees Celsius). Lower temperatures can cause the leaves to drop and may cause the plant to die. Do not place the plant in draft or near any vents that could cause a quick drop in temperature.
Miniature Foxglove prefers some humidity in its environment, as typical coastal climates will suit it best. It should be placed in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and air conditioning dries the air. You can place a humidifier in the room where the plant is located to monitor the humidity levels. If the humidity level is too low, the leaves will become wilted and may eventually drop from the plant.
Miniature Foxglove should be planted in a well-drained potting mix that has a pH of between 5.8 to 6.5. This mix should be made up of equal parts of soil, coco coir, and perlite. The soil should not be too wet, as this can cause root rot. Make sure to water the plant in moderation and never let the soil become saturated.
Miniature Foxglove should be fertilized during its active growing period. The fertilizer should be used twice a month and should be diluted to half strength. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is best. Make sure to water the plant after fertilizing to wash away any fertilizer that may be left on the surface of the soil.
Miniature Foxglove is commonly susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. To remove these pests, a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used. Ensure that you cover all the leaves and stems with the spray. This should be done 1-2 times a week for a few weeks in order to keep the pests away. If the pests do not go away after a few weeks, then a stronger insecticide may should be used, such as Malathion or Diazinon.
Miniature Foxglove should be repotted every 2-3 years. To do this,remove the plant from the pot and gently comb away soil from the roots with your fingers. Move the plant to a pot that is a few inches larger the the current one and fill the new pot with garden soil or a potting mix. Once the plant is in the new pot, pat down the soil gently to ensure there are no air pockets.
Miniature Foxglove should be pruned every two to three weeks. Remove any faded flowers or damaged leaves. This will help the plant to maintain its shape and promote more growth. Always use sharp, clean garden tools when pruning the plant and make sure to discard all of the cuttings away from the plant.
Miniature Foxglove does not require mulching. If desired, a bark mulch can be used. The mulch should be applied to the surface of the soil to prevent weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
Miniature Foxglove can be propagated through seed and stem cuttings. To propagate by seed, plant the seeds in a shallow container filled with soil. Cover the container with plastic and keep it in a warm place until the seeds sprout. For stem cuttings, take cuttings at 1-3 inch long and remove any flowers or buds from the stem. Allow the cuttings to callous over in the air for 1-2 weeks, before sticking in a pot of potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist and in a warm place until the cuttings take root, usually within 3-4 weeks.
Miniature Foxglove may require support to keep it stable. A stake can be used to support the main stem and also keep the plant upright. Stainless steel stakes are the best option, as they will not rust.
Miniature Foxglove does not need to be put into a rest period, but it should be fertilized during its active growing period. The fertilization should be done twice a month with a balanced fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
Yes, Miniature Foxglove is toxic to cats and dogs when eaten, and it can cause digestive distress. Make sure to keep the plant away from pets and children and never let them consume any parts of the plant.
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