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Add to My Garden Indian shot
Canna indica
Also known as: African arrowroot, Canna lily
Despite its name, indian shot is a flowering perennial plant native to Central and South America. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world and has become a popular garden plant known for its large decorative leaves, fiery red blooms, and ease of cultivation. It is a traditional minor food for indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
Care Guide for Indian shot
Indian shot should be watered sparingly once a week during the active summer growing season. This species should be watered more frequently during dry heat spells in the summer. During the early spring and again during the dormant winter season, care should be taken not to overwater this species.
Indian shot should be fertilized using a well-balanced liquid fertilizer applied once per month during the active growing season in summer. This species does well if a diluted, phosphorous-rich liquid fertilizer is added to the soil alongside watering. This species does not need fertilizer during the dormant winter season.
Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.
Clay, Sand, Loam, Chalky, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Needs excellent drainage in pots.
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Indian shot
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
Hardiness Zones
7 to 12
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Download and print this plant care card and attach it to your plants
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Indian shot
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
Hardiness Zones
7 to 12
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Download
Indian shot
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
Hardiness Zones
7 to 12
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Download
Questions About Indian shot
Watering 
Pruning 
Sunlight 
Temperature 
Fertilizing What is the best way to water my Indian shot?
When watering the Indian shot, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Indian shot comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.
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What should I do if I water my Indian shot too much or too little?
Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Indian shot, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Indian shot, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Indian shot have become brittle and brown.
It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Indian shot. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Indian shot grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Indian shot is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.
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How often should I water my Indian shot?
If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Indian shot needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water.
If you grow your Indian shot outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Indian shot can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.
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How much water does my Indian shot need?
When it comes time to water your Indian shot, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.
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How should I water my Indian shot at different growth stages?
The water needs of the Indian shot can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Indian shot is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Indian shot will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Indian shot will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Indian shot more water at this time.
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How should I water my Indian shot through the seasons?
The Indian shot will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Indian shot will contract a disease.
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What's the difference between watering my Indian shot indoors and outdoors?
It is most common to grow the Indian shot indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Indian shot to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Indian shot very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.
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Explore 5 of plant how-tos on Feng shui direction, Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant, etc.
Feng shui direction
South
Indian shot is deemed auspicious in the realm of Feng Shui. Its vibrant colors and robust energy is believed to attract prosperity and protection. When placed in the South-facing direction, indian shot aims to stimulate the fire element, thus encouraging success and a harmonious atmosphere.
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
Indian shot originates from environments with diverse moisture levels. Water when the soil feels dry to touch. Overwatering can be harmful, so only water when necessary.
Learn More 
Lighting
Full sun
Indian shot thrives in an environment that provides significant exposure to the sun for most of the day. However, it can also endure in areas with a slight reduction in sunshine. Excessive or insufficient sunlight could potentially affect growth and plant health. Its ancestral habitats endorsed such light levels for optimal health.
Temperature
-10 to 35 ℃
The indian shot requires temperatures to be in the range of 59 to 100 ℉ (15 to 38 ℃) for optimal growth. Its native growth environment is usually warm and tropical. During colder seasons, it is suggested to adjust the temperature to 50 to 70 ℉ (10 to 21 ℃) to prevent mortality.
Transplant
2-3 feet
Transplanting indian shot is ideally done in mid to late spring, as the warmer weather promotes root establishment. Choose a sunny location to provide optimal growing conditions. When transplanting, be gentle with the roots and water thoroughly to help indian shot settle in quickly.
Common Pests & Diseases
Common issues for Indian shot based on 10 million real cases
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Flower withering
Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.
Solutions: If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible. For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface. In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well. If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.
Slug or snails
Snails are a class of mollusks with hard shells into which their soft bodies can retract. Slugs are similar soft, fleshy mollusks but lack the shells. Both nibble at leaves and are regularly seen in wet or rainy conditions.
Solutions: If your plant has a serious problem: Choose commercial slug and snail baits. Those with iron phosphate as the active ingredient are fairly effective, killing them within a few days. These are considered safer for animals than baits containing metaldehyde. Baits should be spread out around plants at night and cleared away in the morning along with any dead pests as they can be toxic to birds and pets. If it is a less serious case, there are a number of organic approaches: Eliminate their hiding spots. It's the easiest way to control slugs and snails. Thick weeds, unused flower pots, boards, or stones are their favorite hiding spots. Hand-pick. You can also follow up with searching for them with a flashlight at night and picking them off plants. Board trap. Trap them by slightly propping up one end of a small board in your garden which will give them a place to hide (remove it and dispose of the pests during the day) Beer trap. Place a shallow dish of either beer or a mixture of 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon each active dry yeast and sugar buried up to the rim in your garden’s soil. Pests will fall in and drown.
Leaf rot
This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.
Solutions: Bacterial infections need to be treated quickly to prevent the spread to neighboring, healthy plants, potentially wiping out large sections of your indoor or outdoor garden. In mild cases: Use sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruning shears or scissors to remove any infected plant parts, making sure to dispose of them off site. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat the unaffected foliage, as well as the soil, and neighboring plants. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label. In severe cases, where more than half the leaves are affected: Remove all of the infected plants from the garden, disposing of them off site. Treat the soil and neighboring plants using a copper-based bactericide. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.
Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
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Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
- Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
- Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
- May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
- Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
- Leaf margins may turn yellow.
- Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
- Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
- The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
- Partial or complete premature defoliation
- Reduced growth
- Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
Solutions
In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary.
Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading.
- Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear.
- Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread.
- Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Prevention
Like many other diseases, it is easier to prevent brown spot than cure it, and this is done through cultural practices.
- Clear fall leaves from the ground before winter to minimize places where fungi and bacteria can overwinter.
- Maintain good air movement between plants through proper plant spacing.
- Increase air circulation through the center of plants through pruning.
- Thoroughly clean all pruning tools after working with diseased plants.
- Never dispose of disease plant material in a compost pile.
- Avoid overhead watering to keep moisture off of the foliage.
- Keep plants healthy by providing adequate sunlight, water, and fertilizer.
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Flower withering
Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.
Overview
Flower withering occurs when flowers become weak, droopy, wilted, or faded until they can’t be revived. During withering, they begin to wrinkle and shrink until the flower becomes completely dry or dead.
Any flowers, regardless of the plant type or the climate they are grown in, are susceptible to withering. It is a worldwide problem across houseplants, herbs, flowering ornamentals, trees, shrubs, garden vegetables, and food crops.
Unlike wilting—which withering is often confused with—withering can be caused by different things and is often due to more than a lack of water. Withering can be fatal in severe cases.
Symptom Analysis
Flower withering progresses from very mild cases to severe occurrences that kill the flower. The severity of the symptoms is related to the cause and how long the condition is allowed to progress before action is taken.
- Wilted, droopy flowers
- Petals and leaves begin to wrinkle
- Brown papery streaks or spots appear on the petals and leaf tips
- Flowerhead shrink in size
- Petal color fades
- Yellowing leaves
- Complete death of the flower
Disease Cause
The main causes of flower withering include natural age progress, lack of water, nutritional deficiencies, and bacterial or fungal diseases. It’s critical to determine the underlying cause when flower withering is noticed. This will guide the best course of action, if treatment is possible.
Check the soil for moisture and then closely examine the entire plant for signs of nutrient deficiencies. If neither of those appears to be the cause then cut open the stem below a flower. If a cross-section reveals brown or rust-colored stains it is safe to assume that this is a bacterial or fungal infection.
If the flower is nearing the end of its normal lifespan, genetic coding within the plant increases the production of ethylene, a phytohormone that controls senescence, or cell aging and death. Cell division stops and the plant begins breaking down resources within the flower to use in other parts of the plant.
In all other cases, flower withering happens when the plant seals off the stem as a defense mechanism, stopping transport within the vascular system. This prevents further water loss through the flowers but also stops bacteria and fungi from moving to healthy parts of the plant. Once water and nutrient transport stops, the flower begins to wither and ultimately die.
Solutions
If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface.
In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well.
If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.
Prevention
This is definitely one of those instances where prevention is more effective than cure. Here are some preventative measures for avoiding premature flower withering.
- Water plants according to their needs -- either keep the soil slightly moist or allow the top inch or two to dry out before watering again.
- Fertilize lightly on a consistent basis, depending upon the plant’s growth. Quick-growing plants and those that flower or develop fruit will need more frequent fertilizing than slow-growing plants.
- Purchase plants that are certified disease- or pathogen-free.
- Look for disease-resistant cultivars.
- Isolate plants showing disease symptoms to prevent the spread to neighboring plants.
- Practice good plant hygiene by removing any fallen plant material as soon as possible.
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Slug or snails
Snails are a class of mollusks with hard shells into which their soft bodies can retract. Slugs are similar soft, fleshy mollusks but lack the shells. Both nibble at leaves and are regularly seen in wet or rainy conditions.
Symptom Analysis
Slugs and snails, two closely related pests, cause a great deal of feeding damage in gardens worldwide. They have rasping mouths that tear holes in leaves and flowers and are capable of consuming small plants entirely. They favor humid conditions, which means that they are generally active at night or on cloudy and rainy days.
Solutions
If your plant has a serious problem:
- Choose commercial slug and snail baits. Those with iron phosphate as the active ingredient are fairly effective, killing them within a few days. These are considered safer for animals than baits containing metaldehyde.
- Baits should be spread out around plants at night and cleared away in the morning along with any dead pests as they can be toxic to birds and pets.
If it is a less serious case, there are a number of organic approaches:
- Eliminate their hiding spots. It's the easiest way to control slugs and snails. Thick weeds, unused flower pots, boards, or stones are their favorite hiding spots.
- Hand-pick. You can also follow up with searching for them with a flashlight at night and picking them off plants.
- Board trap. Trap them by slightly propping up one end of a small board in your garden which will give them a place to hide (remove it and dispose of the pests during the day)
- Beer trap. Place a shallow dish of either beer or a mixture of 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon each active dry yeast and sugar buried up to the rim in your garden’s soil. Pests will fall in and drown.
Prevention
To prevent future damage, there are a number of effective non-chemical measures.
- Create a gritty barrier. You can use agricultural-grade diatomaceous earth, corn or wheat bran, or coffee grounds on the soil around your plant; you must replenish it after it rains.
- Set up a copper barrier. Snails and slugs can’t cross copper so copper tape can be made into a “fence” to protect your individual plant or seedlings.
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Leaf rot
This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.
Overview
Leaf rot is very common among both house plants and garden plants. It affects foliage and occurs mainly when the leaves become wet due to rain or misting by the gardener. The cause is fungal disease and this is facilitated by the fungal spores adhering to wet leaves then penetrating the leaf and expanding rapidly. Damp conditions and poor air circulation will increase chances of infection taking place. Another factor are leaves that are damaged or have been penetrated by sap sucking insects that facilitate plant penetration.
Symptom Analysis
- Spores are able to cling to a damp leaf and penetrate, often through an existing wound.
- A small dark brown mark appears which expands rapidly as sporulation starts to take place.
- Quite quickly these bull's eye like circles can link together and the whole leaf turns dark and loses texture.
- Leaf drop occurs.
Disease Cause
These symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection invading the plant. Bacteria from many sources in the environment (air, water, soil, diseased plants) enter a plant through wounds, or in some cases the stomata when they are open. Once inside the leaf tissue, the bacteria feed and reproduce quickly, breaking down healthy leaves.
Bacterial infections threaten most plant species, and are more prominent in wet weather that more easily transfers the bacteria from plant to plant, or from soil to plant.
Solutions
Bacterial infections need to be treated quickly to prevent the spread to neighboring, healthy plants, potentially wiping out large sections of your indoor or outdoor garden.
In mild cases: Use sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruning shears or scissors to remove any infected plant parts, making sure to dispose of them off site. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat the unaffected foliage, as well as the soil, and neighboring plants. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.
In severe cases, where more than half the leaves are affected: Remove all of the infected plants from the garden, disposing of them off site. Treat the soil and neighboring plants using a copper-based bactericide. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.
Prevention
- Clean up garden debris at the end of the season, especially if it contains any diseased plant tissue. Diseases can overwinter from season to season and infect new plants.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent transferring pathogens from one plant to another, and to keep foliage dry.
- Mulch around the base of plants to prevent soil-borne bacteria from splashing up onto uninfected plants.
- Sterilize cutting tools using a 10% bleach solution when gardening and moving from one plant to another.
- Do not work in your garden when it is wet.
- Rotate crops to prevent the buildup of bacteria in one site due to continuous cropping.
- Use a copper or streptomycin-containing bactericide in early spring to prevent infection. Read label directions carefully as they are not suitable for all plants.
- Ensure plants are well spaced and thin leaves on densely leaved plants so that air circulation is maximised.
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Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Overview
Regardless of the type of plant or where it is grown, at some point, it will begin to aged yellow and dry. This is a natural, unavoidable process that happens when the plant has completed all of the steps in its life.
Annual plants go through this process at the end of a single growing season. Perennial plants live for multiple years, if not tens or hundreds of years, but will still ultimately exhibit these symptoms.
Symptom Analysis
When plants have progressed through their natural developmental stages and are nearing the end of their lifecycle, they begin showing signs of decline. Leaves will start to yellow and droop, and over time they turn papery brown and dry.
Once completely dry, the leaves begin to fall from the plant until the entire plant has dried out.
Disease Cause
At the end of its life, genetic coding within the plant increases the production of ethylene, a phytohormone that controls senescence or natural aging and death. Cell division stops, and the plant begins catabolizing resources to use in other parts of the plant.
As this happens, the tissues begin yellow and drying until the entire plant is desiccated and perishes.
Solutions
If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent plants from dying of “old age.” To help prolong their life, and put off symptoms of aged yellow and dry for as long as possible, take care of them by giving them enough water, fertilizing them appropriately, and making sure they get enough sunlight.
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Distribution Map
Habitat
Coast, temperate valleys
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info
Plant Type
Herb
Flower Color
Red
Orange
Yellow
Pink
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall
Leaf Color
Green
Purple
Bronze
Name story
Indian shot
Canna indica produces black spherical seeds that are hard and dense in nature which sink in water. In fact, its appearance looks like a bullet from a rifle. Interestingly, during the war in India in the 19th century, there were soldiers actually reloading the seeds as a substitute when they were out of ammo. Hence, it is called the Indian shot.
Symbolism
A solid future, trust in God
Usages
Environmental Protection Value
Indian-shot can purify air and absorb toxic gases. It is known as a monitor of polluted gases.
Garden Use
Indian shot can be planted in flowerbeds and can also be used as a groundcover with high ornamental value. Its striking, long-lasting blooms and tropical feel makes it a popular choice for gardens. It is often used as a border plant, and it is also appreciated for its ability to grow well in a container. It is best to plant this one alongside other showy species that can stand up to its visual impact, like Caladiums, Elephant ears, Dahlias, or Sunflowers.
Scientific Classification
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Add to My Garden Indian shot
Canna indica
Also known as: African arrowroot, Canna lily
Despite its name, indian shot is a flowering perennial plant native to Central and South America. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world and has become a popular garden plant known for its large decorative leaves, fiery red blooms, and ease of cultivation. It is a traditional minor food for indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight
Full sun
Care Guide for Indian shot
Water
Indian shot should be watered sparingly once a week during the active summer growing season. This species should be watered more frequently during dry heat spells in the summer. During the early spring and again during the dormant winter season, care should be taken not to overwater this species.
Fertilization
Indian shot should be fertilized using a well-balanced liquid fertilizer applied once per month during the active growing season in summer. This species does well if a diluted, phosphorous-rich liquid fertilizer is added to the soil alongside watering. This species does not need fertilizer during the dormant winter season.
Pruning
Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.
Soil
Clay, Sand, Loam, Chalky, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Potting Suggestions
Needs excellent drainage in pots.
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Questions About Indian shot
Watering Pruning Sunlight Temperature Fertilizing What is the best way to water my Indian shot?
What should I do if I water my Indian shot too much or too little?
How often should I water my Indian shot?
How much water does my Indian shot need?
How should I water my Indian shot at different growth stages?
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Common Pests & Diseases
Common issues for Indian shot based on 10 million real cases
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
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Flower withering
Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.
Solutions: If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible. For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface. In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well. If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.
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Slug or snails
Snails are a class of mollusks with hard shells into which their soft bodies can retract. Slugs are similar soft, fleshy mollusks but lack the shells. Both nibble at leaves and are regularly seen in wet or rainy conditions.
Solutions: If your plant has a serious problem: Choose commercial slug and snail baits. Those with iron phosphate as the active ingredient are fairly effective, killing them within a few days. These are considered safer for animals than baits containing metaldehyde. Baits should be spread out around plants at night and cleared away in the morning along with any dead pests as they can be toxic to birds and pets. If it is a less serious case, there are a number of organic approaches: Eliminate their hiding spots. It's the easiest way to control slugs and snails. Thick weeds, unused flower pots, boards, or stones are their favorite hiding spots. Hand-pick. You can also follow up with searching for them with a flashlight at night and picking them off plants. Board trap. Trap them by slightly propping up one end of a small board in your garden which will give them a place to hide (remove it and dispose of the pests during the day) Beer trap. Place a shallow dish of either beer or a mixture of 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon each active dry yeast and sugar buried up to the rim in your garden’s soil. Pests will fall in and drown.
Learn More ![more]()
Leaf rot
This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.
Solutions: Bacterial infections need to be treated quickly to prevent the spread to neighboring, healthy plants, potentially wiping out large sections of your indoor or outdoor garden. In mild cases: Use sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruning shears or scissors to remove any infected plant parts, making sure to dispose of them off site. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat the unaffected foliage, as well as the soil, and neighboring plants. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label. In severe cases, where more than half the leaves are affected: Remove all of the infected plants from the garden, disposing of them off site. Treat the soil and neighboring plants using a copper-based bactericide. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.
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Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
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Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
- Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
- Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
- May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
- Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
- Leaf margins may turn yellow.
- Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
- Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
- The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
- Partial or complete premature defoliation
- Reduced growth
- Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
Solutions
In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary.
Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading.
- Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear.
- Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread.
- Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Prevention
Like many other diseases, it is easier to prevent brown spot than cure it, and this is done through cultural practices.
- Clear fall leaves from the ground before winter to minimize places where fungi and bacteria can overwinter.
- Maintain good air movement between plants through proper plant spacing.
- Increase air circulation through the center of plants through pruning.
- Thoroughly clean all pruning tools after working with diseased plants.
- Never dispose of disease plant material in a compost pile.
- Avoid overhead watering to keep moisture off of the foliage.
- Keep plants healthy by providing adequate sunlight, water, and fertilizer.
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Flower withering
Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.
Overview
Flower withering occurs when flowers become weak, droopy, wilted, or faded until they can’t be revived. During withering, they begin to wrinkle and shrink until the flower becomes completely dry or dead.
Any flowers, regardless of the plant type or the climate they are grown in, are susceptible to withering. It is a worldwide problem across houseplants, herbs, flowering ornamentals, trees, shrubs, garden vegetables, and food crops.
Unlike wilting—which withering is often confused with—withering can be caused by different things and is often due to more than a lack of water. Withering can be fatal in severe cases.
Symptom Analysis
Flower withering progresses from very mild cases to severe occurrences that kill the flower. The severity of the symptoms is related to the cause and how long the condition is allowed to progress before action is taken.
- Wilted, droopy flowers
- Petals and leaves begin to wrinkle
- Brown papery streaks or spots appear on the petals and leaf tips
- Flowerhead shrink in size
- Petal color fades
- Yellowing leaves
- Complete death of the flower
Disease Cause
The main causes of flower withering include natural age progress, lack of water, nutritional deficiencies, and bacterial or fungal diseases. It’s critical to determine the underlying cause when flower withering is noticed. This will guide the best course of action, if treatment is possible.
Check the soil for moisture and then closely examine the entire plant for signs of nutrient deficiencies. If neither of those appears to be the cause then cut open the stem below a flower. If a cross-section reveals brown or rust-colored stains it is safe to assume that this is a bacterial or fungal infection.
If the flower is nearing the end of its normal lifespan, genetic coding within the plant increases the production of ethylene, a phytohormone that controls senescence, or cell aging and death. Cell division stops and the plant begins breaking down resources within the flower to use in other parts of the plant.
In all other cases, flower withering happens when the plant seals off the stem as a defense mechanism, stopping transport within the vascular system. This prevents further water loss through the flowers but also stops bacteria and fungi from moving to healthy parts of the plant. Once water and nutrient transport stops, the flower begins to wither and ultimately die.
Solutions
If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface.
In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well.
If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.
Prevention
This is definitely one of those instances where prevention is more effective than cure. Here are some preventative measures for avoiding premature flower withering.
- Water plants according to their needs -- either keep the soil slightly moist or allow the top inch or two to dry out before watering again.
- Fertilize lightly on a consistent basis, depending upon the plant’s growth. Quick-growing plants and those that flower or develop fruit will need more frequent fertilizing than slow-growing plants.
- Purchase plants that are certified disease- or pathogen-free.
- Look for disease-resistant cultivars.
- Isolate plants showing disease symptoms to prevent the spread to neighboring plants.
- Practice good plant hygiene by removing any fallen plant material as soon as possible.
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Slug or snails
Snails are a class of mollusks with hard shells into which their soft bodies can retract. Slugs are similar soft, fleshy mollusks but lack the shells. Both nibble at leaves and are regularly seen in wet or rainy conditions.
Symptom Analysis
Slugs and snails, two closely related pests, cause a great deal of feeding damage in gardens worldwide. They have rasping mouths that tear holes in leaves and flowers and are capable of consuming small plants entirely. They favor humid conditions, which means that they are generally active at night or on cloudy and rainy days.
Solutions
If your plant has a serious problem:
- Choose commercial slug and snail baits. Those with iron phosphate as the active ingredient are fairly effective, killing them within a few days. These are considered safer for animals than baits containing metaldehyde.
- Baits should be spread out around plants at night and cleared away in the morning along with any dead pests as they can be toxic to birds and pets.
If it is a less serious case, there are a number of organic approaches:
- Eliminate their hiding spots. It's the easiest way to control slugs and snails. Thick weeds, unused flower pots, boards, or stones are their favorite hiding spots.
- Hand-pick. You can also follow up with searching for them with a flashlight at night and picking them off plants.
- Board trap. Trap them by slightly propping up one end of a small board in your garden which will give them a place to hide (remove it and dispose of the pests during the day)
- Beer trap. Place a shallow dish of either beer or a mixture of 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon each active dry yeast and sugar buried up to the rim in your garden’s soil. Pests will fall in and drown.
Prevention
To prevent future damage, there are a number of effective non-chemical measures.
- Create a gritty barrier. You can use agricultural-grade diatomaceous earth, corn or wheat bran, or coffee grounds on the soil around your plant; you must replenish it after it rains.
- Set up a copper barrier. Snails and slugs can’t cross copper so copper tape can be made into a “fence” to protect your individual plant or seedlings.
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Leaf rot
This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.
Overview
Leaf rot is very common among both house plants and garden plants. It affects foliage and occurs mainly when the leaves become wet due to rain or misting by the gardener. The cause is fungal disease and this is facilitated by the fungal spores adhering to wet leaves then penetrating the leaf and expanding rapidly. Damp conditions and poor air circulation will increase chances of infection taking place. Another factor are leaves that are damaged or have been penetrated by sap sucking insects that facilitate plant penetration.
Symptom Analysis
- Spores are able to cling to a damp leaf and penetrate, often through an existing wound.
- A small dark brown mark appears which expands rapidly as sporulation starts to take place.
- Quite quickly these bull's eye like circles can link together and the whole leaf turns dark and loses texture.
- Leaf drop occurs.
Disease Cause
These symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection invading the plant. Bacteria from many sources in the environment (air, water, soil, diseased plants) enter a plant through wounds, or in some cases the stomata when they are open. Once inside the leaf tissue, the bacteria feed and reproduce quickly, breaking down healthy leaves.
Bacterial infections threaten most plant species, and are more prominent in wet weather that more easily transfers the bacteria from plant to plant, or from soil to plant.
Solutions
Bacterial infections need to be treated quickly to prevent the spread to neighboring, healthy plants, potentially wiping out large sections of your indoor or outdoor garden.
In mild cases: Use sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruning shears or scissors to remove any infected plant parts, making sure to dispose of them off site. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat the unaffected foliage, as well as the soil, and neighboring plants. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.
In severe cases, where more than half the leaves are affected: Remove all of the infected plants from the garden, disposing of them off site. Treat the soil and neighboring plants using a copper-based bactericide. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.
Prevention
- Clean up garden debris at the end of the season, especially if it contains any diseased plant tissue. Diseases can overwinter from season to season and infect new plants.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent transferring pathogens from one plant to another, and to keep foliage dry.
- Mulch around the base of plants to prevent soil-borne bacteria from splashing up onto uninfected plants.
- Sterilize cutting tools using a 10% bleach solution when gardening and moving from one plant to another.
- Do not work in your garden when it is wet.
- Rotate crops to prevent the buildup of bacteria in one site due to continuous cropping.
- Use a copper or streptomycin-containing bactericide in early spring to prevent infection. Read label directions carefully as they are not suitable for all plants.
- Ensure plants are well spaced and thin leaves on densely leaved plants so that air circulation is maximised.
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Aged yellow and dry
Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.
Overview
Regardless of the type of plant or where it is grown, at some point, it will begin to aged yellow and dry. This is a natural, unavoidable process that happens when the plant has completed all of the steps in its life.
Annual plants go through this process at the end of a single growing season. Perennial plants live for multiple years, if not tens or hundreds of years, but will still ultimately exhibit these symptoms.
Symptom Analysis
When plants have progressed through their natural developmental stages and are nearing the end of their lifecycle, they begin showing signs of decline. Leaves will start to yellow and droop, and over time they turn papery brown and dry.
Once completely dry, the leaves begin to fall from the plant until the entire plant has dried out.
Disease Cause
At the end of its life, genetic coding within the plant increases the production of ethylene, a phytohormone that controls senescence or natural aging and death. Cell division stops, and the plant begins catabolizing resources to use in other parts of the plant.
As this happens, the tissues begin yellow and drying until the entire plant is desiccated and perishes.
Solutions
If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent plants from dying of “old age.” To help prolong their life, and put off symptoms of aged yellow and dry for as long as possible, take care of them by giving them enough water, fertilizing them appropriately, and making sure they get enough sunlight.
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Distribution Map
Habitat
Coast, temperate valleys
Map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info
Plant Type
Herb
Flower Color
Red
Orange
Yellow
Pink
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall
Leaf Color
Green
Purple
Bronze
Name story
Indian shot
Canna indica produces black spherical seeds that are hard and dense in nature which sink in water. In fact, its appearance looks like a bullet from a rifle. Interestingly, during the war in India in the 19th century, there were soldiers actually reloading the seeds as a substitute when they were out of ammo. Hence, it is called the Indian shot.
Symbolism
A solid future, trust in God
Usages
Environmental Protection Value
Indian-shot can purify air and absorb toxic gases. It is known as a monitor of polluted gases.
Garden Use
Indian shot can be planted in flowerbeds and can also be used as a groundcover with high ornamental value. Its striking, long-lasting blooms and tropical feel makes it a popular choice for gardens. It is often used as a border plant, and it is also appreciated for its ability to grow well in a container. It is best to plant this one alongside other showy species that can stand up to its visual impact, like Caladiums, Elephant ears, Dahlias, or Sunflowers.
Scientific Classification
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Water
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor potted
In the ground
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Essentials
Indian shot originates from environments with diverse moisture levels. Water when the soil feels dry to touch. Overwatering can be harmful, so only water when necessary.
Watering check today
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Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Morning
Noonday
Evening
Morning watering can reduce the risk of fungal growth. Requirements
Every 1-2 weeks
Watering Frequency
Smart Seasonal Watering
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Just like people, each plant has its own preferences and needs. Devote time to understanding your plants so you can nurture them properly. Observe your plants attentively, learning from their growth patterns, and becoming more in tune with their needs as you grow together. Keep a watchful eye on new plants and seedlings, as they are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Shower them with gentle love and attention, fostering their growth and strength. Let the rhythm of your local climate guide your watering habits, adapting your schedule to the changing weather and the needs of your plants. Amount and Approach
Watering from the soil
1. Gradually pour water to the soil from above.
2. Stop watering your plant once water begins to flow out of the drainage holes in the pot.
3. Allow it to rest for 1 minute, then discard any water remaining in the tray, making sure your plant is not sitting in the water.
Avoid watering the leaves or flowers. Use a watering can with a long spout when watering to reduce bending and exertion, and ease your fatigue. Watering from the bottom
1. Fill the tray with water, ensure that the soil makes contact with the water.
2. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Drain excess water from the tray if the soil is uniformly damp.
4. Watering more to the tray if the soil remains dry.
5. Allow it to sit for an additional 20 minutes before draining any excess water.
Avoid watering the leaves or flowers. Use a watering can with a long spout when watering to reduce bending and exertion, and ease your fatigue. Soaking the water
1. Select a location for soaking your plants, such as a tray or bathtub.
2. Pour a few centimeters of fresh water into the bottom of your chosen container.
3. Soaking your plant pots within the water, allowing them to absorb moisture for 1 hour.
4. Remove the plants from the water and let them dry.
Avoid watering the leaves or flowers. Use a watering can with a long spout when watering to reduce bending and exertion, and ease your fatigue. For Indian shot, outdoor watering can be done using the method of sprinkling. It is a simple and direct approach. It involves pouring water onto the soil around the plant, allowing the water to naturally seep into the root zone. Typically, containers such as watering cans, buckets, or watering jugs are used for sprinkling. Depending on the size of the plant, usually, 1-2 gallons of water are required to ensure the soil around the roots is thoroughly moistened.
Important Symptoms
Overwatering
Indian shot is more susceptible to developing disease symptoms when overwatered because it prefers a soil environment with moderate humidity. Symptoms of overwatering include yellowing leaves, brown or black spots, root rot...
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Brown or black spots
Excessive watering can damage the plant's root system, making it vulnerable to fungal infections. The plant may develop dark brown to black spots that spread upwards from the lower leaves which are usually the first to be affected.
Root rot
Excess water in the soil can lead to the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria, causing the roots to rot and eventually kill the plant.
Soft or mushy stems
Excess water can cause stems to become soft and mushy, as the cells become waterlogged and lose their structural integrity.
Increased susceptibility diseases
Overwatering plants may become more susceptible and diseases as their overall health declines, weakening their natural defenses.
Solutions
1. Adjust watering frequency based on seasons and soil dryness. Wait for soil to dry before watering.2. Increase soil aeration by loosening surface and gently stirring with a wooden stick or chopstick.3. Optimize environment with good ventilation and warmth to enhance water evaporation and prevent overwatering.
Underwatering
Indian shot is more susceptible to plant health issues when lacking watering, as it can only tolerate short periods of drought. Symptoms of dehydration include wilting, leaf curling, yellowing leaves...
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Wilting
Due to the dry soil and insufficient water absorption by the roots, the leaves of the plant will appear limp, droopy, and lose vitality.
Leaf curling
Leaves may curl inward or downward as they attempt to conserve water and minimize water loss through transpiration.
Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases
Underwatered plants may become more susceptible to pests and diseases as their overall health declines, weakening their natural defenses.
Dying plant
If underwatering continues for an extended period, the plant may ultimately die as a result of severe water stress and an inability to carry out essential functions.
Solutions
1. Thoroughly saturate soil with slow ring watering to ensure uniform and sufficient moisture for plants. 2. Increase air humidity with water trays or misting to slow leaf water evaporation. 3. Watering according to the recommended frequency.Adjust watering frequency based on seasons and soil dryness.
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Lighting
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness. Essentials
Indian shot thrives in an environment that provides significant exposure to the sun for most of the day. However, it can also endure in areas with a slight reduction in sunshine. Excessive or insufficient sunlight could potentially affect growth and plant health. Its ancestral habitats endorsed such light levels for optimal health.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Insufficient light
Indian shot thrives in full sunlight and is commonly grown outdoors where it receives ample sunlight. When placed in rooms with inadequate lighting, symptoms of light deficiency may not be readily apparent.
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Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your indian shot may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Indian shot enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Excessive light
Indian shot thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
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Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care. Essentials
The indian shot requires temperatures to be in the range of 59 to 100 ℉ (15 to 38 ℃) for optimal growth. Its native growth environment is usually warm and tropical. During colder seasons, it is suggested to adjust the temperature to 50 to 70 ℉ (10 to 21 ℃) to prevent mortality.
Regional wintering strategies
Indian shot has strong cold resistance, so special frost protection measures are usually not necessary during winter. However, if the winter temperatures are expected to drop below {Limit_growth_temperature}, it is still important to provide cold protection. This can be achieved by covering the plant with materials such as soil or straw. Before the first freeze in autumn, it is recommended to water the plant abundantly, ensuring the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state. This helps prevent drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.
Important Symptoms
Low Temperature
Indian shot is cold-tolerant and thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, although there may not be any noticeable changes during winter, there may be a decrease in sprouting or even no sprouting during springtime.
Solutions
In spring, remove any parts that have failed to sprout.
High Temperature
During summer, Indian shot should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the leaves of the plant may become lighter in color, prone to curling, susceptible to sunburn, and in severe cases, the entire plant may wilt and become dry.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth to create shade. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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Transplant
How to Successfully Transplant Indian shot?
Transplanting indian shot is ideally done in mid to late spring, as the warmer weather promotes root establishment. Choose a sunny location to provide optimal growing conditions. When transplanting, be gentle with the roots and water thoroughly to help indian shot settle in quickly.
What Preparations are Needed Before Transplanting Indian shot?
What is the Ideal Time for Transplanting Indian shot?
The perfect season for transplanting indian shot is mid to late spring, when the soil has warmed and frost is no longer a concern. Transplanting during this time promotes healthy root development, ensures optimal growth and offers vibrant blooms throughout the season.
How Much Space Should You Leave Between Indian shot Plants?
For transplanting indian shot, aim to space each plant about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart. This spacing will give them proper room to grow, ensuring they establish a healthy root system and have ample access to nutrients.
What is the Best Soil Mix for Indian shot Transplanting?
When preparing a spot for indian shot, select a well-draining soil, ideally rich in organic matter. Mix in a slow-release granular fertilizer, such as a 14-14-14 or 10-10-10 blend, to create a nutritious base for your new plants.
Where Should You Relocate Your Indian shot?
It's important to place indian shot in a sunny location, where the plants will receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day. These bright conditions will help promote strong and healthy growth, allowing them to thrive.
What Equipments Should You Prepare Before Transplantation Indian shot?
Gardening Gloves
To protect your hands while working with the soil and indian shot plant.
Spade or Shovel
To dig up the plant in its original location and prepare the planting hole.
Trowel
To help remove indian shot plants from pots or seedling trays and for smaller digging tasks.
Garden Fork
To loosen and turn the soil in the planting area.
Watering Can or Hose
To water the plant during the transplant process.
Pruner or Garden Scissors
To trim any damaged roots or stems during transplanting.
Stakes and Ties (if needed)
To support tall, floppy, or heavy indian shot plants after transplanting.
How Do You Remove Indian shot from the Soil?
Choose a location with appropriate sunlight and space for your indian shot plant to grow to its mature size.
Use a garden fork to turn and loosen the soil in your planting area, breaking up any large clumps of dirt. This will help the indian shot plant's roots to spread easier into the new location.
Dig a hole slightly larger and as deep as the indian shot plant's root ball using a spade or trowel. The goal is to have the plant sitting at the same soil level as it was in its original location.
Gently place the indian shot plant into the planting hole, ensuring its roots are spread out evenly. If transplanting a seedling, handle it by the leaves and not the stem to avoid damaging the young plant.
Fill the hole with soil, and use your hands to gently pack the soil around the base of the indian shot plant to eliminate air pockets.
Water the plant generously after transplanting to help settle the soil and encourage the roots to establish in their new location.
If your indian shot plant needs support, insert stakes into the ground around the plant and secure the plant to them with ties.
Step-by-Step Guide for Transplanting Indian shot
Step1 Site Selection
Choose a location with appropriate sunlight and space for your indian shot plant to grow to its mature size.
Step2 Soil Preparation
Use a garden fork to turn and loosen the soil in your planting area, breaking up any large clumps of dirt. This will help the indian shot plant's roots to spread easier into the new location.
Step3 Planting Hole
Dig a hole slightly larger and as deep as the indian shot plant's root ball using a spade or trowel. The goal is to have the plant sitting at the same soil level as it was in its original location.
Step4 Placement
Gently place the indian shot plant into the planting hole, ensuring its roots are spread out evenly. If transplanting a seedling, handle it by the leaves and not the stem to avoid damaging the young plant.
Step5 Backfill
Fill the hole with soil, and use your hands to gently pack the soil around the base of the indian shot plant to eliminate air pockets.
Step6 Water
Water the plant generously after transplanting to help settle the soil and encourage the roots to establish in their new location.
Step7 Staking and Support (if needed)
If your indian shot plant needs support, insert stakes into the ground around the plant and secure the plant to them with ties.
How Do You Care For Indian shot After Transplanting?
Watering
Keep the soil around the indian shot consistently moist, but not soggy, for the first few weeks after transplanting to help establish strong roots.
Mulching
Consider adding a layer of mulch around the base of the indian shot to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature while also suppressing weeds.
Monitoring and Pruning
Inspect the indian shot regularly for signs of stress or pests. Prune any dead or damaged foliage to promote healthy growth.
Fertilizing
After a few weeks, consider applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients that will help the indian shot grow strong and healthy.
Patience and Support
Remember, transplanting can be stressful for plants. Allow time for the indian shot to establish before expecting significant growth or blooms.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Indian shot Transplantation.
When is the best time to transplant indian shot?
Transplant indian shot during mid to late spring for optimal growth and establishment.
What is the ideal spacing to transplant indian shot?
Space indian shot plants approximately 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart to provide enough room for growth.
How much sunlight does indian shot need when transplanting?
Indian shot should be transplanted in a spot with full sun to partial shade for best results.
What type of soil should I use for transplanting indian shot?
Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter for optimal growth when transplanting indian shot.
How much water does indian shot need during transplanting?
Water indian shot thoroughly after transplanting, then provide regular water to keep the soil consistently moist.
How deep should I dig the hole when transplanting indian shot?
Dig a hole 10 inches (25 cm) deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball of indian shot.
Should I fertilize indian shot immediately after transplanting?
Wait two weeks after transplanting before applying a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
How can I avoid transplant shock while transplanting indian shot?
Transplant on a cloudy day, watering immediately, and using transplant solution helps to avoid shock.
What pests or diseases should I watch for after transplanting indian shot?
Monitor for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails, and diseases like root rot.
How long does it take for indian shot to establish after transplanting?
Indian shot typically takes 2-3 weeks to become fully established and start showing signs of new growth.
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