Obedient Plant

Obedient plants require regular watering, the soil needs to be kept moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Reduce watering during the cold season. Standing water on the foliage should be avoided.

Obedient Plant does best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. In areas with hot summers, these plants should be grown in areas with some shade. Too much shade may cause the stems to flop over and cannot support the weight of the flowers, making the entire plant look messy. When growing in containers it is best to provide at least 6 hours of light per day.

Unlike other Physostegia species, Obedient Plant is quite tolerant of the cold and can survive temperatures as low as -23°C (0°F). Its preferred temperature range is between 22-30°C (72-86°F). Above this range, the plant may wilt.

The Obedient Plant is relatively tolerant of humidity levels. High humidity can cause fungal disease. To avoid this, provide good air ventilation and check the leaves for signs of disease regularly. It’s also beneficial to lower the intensity of sun exposure during humid conditions.

The Obedient Plant prefers acidic to neutral soil, with pH in the range of 6.5-7.5. The soil should have a well-draining structure to make sure the plant is not overwatered and affected with root rot. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure for better nutrient availability.

These plants require fertilizer to promote good flowering and growth. Fertilize Obedient Plant twice a month during the growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 9-11-12 or an all -purpose fertilizer for flowering plants. Stop fertilizing during the winter season.

Obedient Plant is generally resistant to pests and disease, however, there are still some insects that may flee to the plant. Aphids and earwigs are two of the most common pests that attack Physostegia plants. These bugs can be exterminated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oils. If the infestation is severe and has spread to the whole plant, it is best to discard the plant. Using proper pesticide is also recommended. Be sure to wear protective gear when spraying the plant, as some pesticides can be harmful to humans.

These plants are normally slow-growing and can remain in the same pot for several years. When the plant starts to become root-bound, then it is time to repot it a larger container. Carefully remove the root-ball from its current container and transfer it to a pot that is two inches larger. After potting, provide consistent watering until the plant is re-established.

Pruning of Obedient Plant should be done in late winter or early spring. You can trim the spent blooms and prune the stems to create a more pleasing shape. It should be undertaken by removing up to one-third of the stem-length of each branch. This technique can help prevent the plant from becoming leggy.

These plants benefit from mulching. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of shredded bark or peat moss around the base of the plant in the spring. This helps to retain the moisture and keep the weeds away.

The Obedient Plant is quite easy to propagate from stem cuttings or division. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in spring and place the cuttings in a mix of one part perlite and one part vermiculite in a tall pot. Place the pot in bright, indirect light and water the soil whenever the top inch feels dry. Rooting should take place in about 4 weeks. To promote root growth, you can apply a rooting hormone solution. To propagate by division, take a clump of the plant and split it up. Re-plant the divisions in separate pots and water them thoroughly. Eventually, new plants will develop out of each division.

The Obedient Plant needs some form of support to keep its stems upright. Staking is the best way to support this plant as the stems become very stiff and the stalks become too large for normal plant ties.

Obedient Plant enjoys a very slight rest-period in the winter. During this time, reduce the amount of water and fertilizer applied, but do not stop it entirely. Once the temperatures begin to warm up and favorable growing conditions start, increase the amount of water and fertilizers again.

The Obedient Plant is not known to be toxic to pets. Because of the size of this plant, it should not be within easy reach of animals as it may affect them if ingested.