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Growing artillery plants (Pilea serpyllacea) provide an interesting ground cover option for shady gardens in the warmest of southern states. Artillery plants can also provide fine succulent-textured, green foliage for containers as the flowers are not showy.
Related to the aluminum plant and the friendship plant of the genus Pilea, artillery plant info indicates this plant got its name from its dispersal of pollen. The tiny, green, male flowers burst the pollen into the air in an explosive-like manner.
Choosing the Right Location
When growing artillery plants outside, site selection is key. This plant thrives in partial shade locations that receive about 3-6 hours of filtered sunlight per day. Avoid full sun positions, as this can scorch the leaves. Seek out a spot that gets bright light but has some afternoon shade. Dappled sunlight under trees or a location with sheer curtains works well. Ensure the area is sheltered from strong winds too.
Preparing the Soil
Artillery plants grow best in loose, well-draining soil amended with organic matter Prepare a planting bed with a mix of potting soil, compost, peat moss and perlite. This provides nutrients while allowing excess water to drain freely The soil pH should be kept slightly acidic to neutral. Test the soil and adjust as needed before planting.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is key for artillery plants. Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Take care not to oversaturate the soil as wet feet can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to partly dry out between waterings. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water more often to replenish moisture lost from evaporation. Be sure the drainage is adequate.
Feeding Your Plant
Fertilization can give artillery plants a helpful boost during the active growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once every 2-3 weeks from spring through summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess salts can burn the roots. No fertilizer is needed in the winter when plants are dormant.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage to maintain vigor. Keep the surrounding area free of weeds and competing plants. Check regularly for pests like spider mites, mealybugs or scale insects and take corrective action if found. Transplant mature plants every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil.
Dealing With Temperature Fluctuations
Artillery plants prefer warm conditions between 60-80°F and are not frost hardy. In temperate climates, they can be grown as annuals or moved indoors for winter. Protect plants with floating row covers if temperatures dip below 50°F. In their native tropical zones (zones 11-12), artillery plants thrive year-round as perennials. Avoid cold drafts and temperature swings.
Propagating More Plants
Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix. Keep the soil consistently damp until roots form in a few weeks. Mature plants can also be divided in early spring by separating rooted offshoots and immediately repotting them.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Curling leaves – This indicates too much sunlight. Move to a shadier spot.
Brown leaf tips – The plant is drying out. Water more regularly.
Yellowing leaves – Overwatering is occuring. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Leggy growth – Give more sunlight or pinch back tips to encourage bushiness.
Weak flowers – Apply fertilizer to invigorate blooms.
Leaf spots or bugs – Treat any pests and diseases promptly. Improve air circulation.
Tips for Growing Artillery Plants Outdoors
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Start new plants from cuttings of established plants to easily expand your collection.
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Group multiple artillery plants together for a lush, tropical effect. Space them 18-24 inches apart.
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Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated wet. Erratic watering causes issues.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer for best results.
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Prune back long stems and clear away dead leaves and spent flowers.
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Check plants daily for any signs of pests or diseases. Act quickly if issues occur.
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In temperate zones, grow artillery plants as annuals or move pots inside for winter.
With the right care, artillery plants can add unique visual interest and pops of color to your outdoor garden beds, borders or container displays. Their easy-going nature and tropical vibe make them a fun addition. Follow these growing guidelines and you’ll soon have healthy artillery plants thriving outside.
Where to Grow Artillery Plants
Winter hardy to USDA Zone 11-12, growing artillery plants in these zones may remain evergreen or die back in winter. However, growing artillery plants is not limited to those zones alone, as this specimen can be overwintered inside as a houseplant. A well draining soil or houseplant mixture is necessary to keep the plant happy. Provide humidity to the area for best performance when growing artillery plants. Artillery plant care is not difficult once you find the right place for it. Outside, growing artillery plants should be located in a shade to part shade area, receiving only morning sun. Indoors, place the artillery plant in a location where it gets bright and filtered, indirect light from a window or on a shady patio during warm months. When considering where to grow artillery plants inside, choose a southern window, away from drafts. Artillery plant care includes placing the plant where day-time temperatures remain at 70 to 75 F. (21-24 C.) and 10 degrees cooler at night.
Part of your artillery plant care includes keeping the soil moist, but not soaked. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Fertilization every few weeks promotes growth. Artillery plant info recommends feeding with a balanced houseplant food every five to six weeks. Artillery plant care also involves grooming the plant for desired shape. Pinch back top and end growth to promote a compact and bushy plant.
Pilea Microphylla Artillery plant care & Tips.
FAQ
Is an Artillery Plant a perennial or annual?
How often should I water an artillery fern?
Can you propagate an Artillery Plant?
Is artillery fern invasive?
Where should artillery plants be planted?
When considering where to grow artillery plants inside, choose a southern window, away from drafts. Artillery plant care includes placing the plant where day-time temperatures remain at 70 to 75 F. (21-24 C.) and 10 degrees cooler at night. Part of your artillery plant care includes keeping the soil moist, but not soaked.
How do you care for an artillery plant?
Part of your artillery plant care includes keeping the soil moist, but not soaked. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Fertilization every few weeks promotes growth. Artillery plant info recommends feeding with a balanced houseplant food every five to six weeks. Artillery plant care also involves grooming the plant for desired shape.
What is an artillery plant?
Artillery plants can also provide fine succulent-textured, green foliage for containers as the flowers are not showy. Related to the aluminum plant and the friendship plant of the genus Pilea, artillery plant info indicates this plant got its name from its dispersal of pollen.
Are artillery plants hardy?
Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 11-12 and is typically grown as an annual or indoor plant in cooler climates. Uses: The Artillery Plant is used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, terrariums, and as a ground cover in warm climates. It’s also popular as a houseplant due to its adaptability and ease of care.