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Care Guide for Carruthers' falseface

Sunlight

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Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

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9 to 15

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Carruthers' falseface

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight

Partial sun

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Questions About Carruthers' falseface

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Carruthers' falseface?

Your Carruthers' falseface will not be too picky about how you choose to water it. As such, you can use just about any common watering tool to moisten this plant’s soil. Watering cans, hoses, and even cups will work just fine when it is time to water your Carruthers' falseface. Regardless of which watering tool you use, you should typically apply the water directly to the soil. In doing so, you should ensure that you moisten all soil areas equally to give all parts of the root system the water it needs. It can help to use filtered water, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to plants. It is also beneficial to use water that is at or slightly above room temperature, as colder or hotter water can be somewhat shocking to the Carruthers' falseface. However, the Carruthers' falseface usually responds well to any kind of water you give it.

What should I do if I water my Carruthers' falseface too much or too little?

For outdoor plants, especially newly planted plants or plant seedlings, they can be prone to lack of watering. Remember that you need to keep watering enough for a few months when the tree is small or just planted. This is because once the roots are established, Carruthers' falseface can rely on rain most of the time.

When your Carruthers' falseface is planted in pots, overwatering is often more likely to.When you accidentally overwater your Carruthers' falseface, you should be prepared to remedy the situation immediately. First, you should stop watering your plant right away to minimize the effect of your overwatering. After, you should consider removing your Carruthers' falseface from its pot to inspect its roots. If you find that none of the roots have developed root rot, it may be permissible to return your plant to its container. If you do discover signs of root rot, then you should trim away any roots that have been affected. You may also want to apply a fungicide to prevent further damage. Lastly, you should repot your Carruthers' falseface in soil that is well-draining. In the case of an underwatered Carruthers' falseface, simply water this plant more frequently.

Underwatering is often an easy fix. If you underwater, the plant's leaves will tend to droop and dry out and fall off, and the leaves will quickly return to fullness after sufficient watering. Please correct your watering frequency as soon as underwatering occurs.

How often should I water my Carruthers' falseface?

Most plants that grow naturally outdoors can be allowed to grow normally with rainfall. If your area lacks rainfall, consider giving your plants adequate watering every 2 weeks during the spring and fall. More frequent watering is needed in summer. In winter, when growth becomes slower and plants need less water, water more sparingly. Throughout the winter, you may not give it additional watering at all. If your Carruthers' falseface is young or newly planted, then you should water more frequently to help it establish, and mature and grow up to have more adaptable and drought tolerant plants.

For potted plants, there are two main ways that you can determine how often to water your Carruthers' falseface. The first way is to set a predetermined watering schedule. If you choose this route, you should plan to water this plant about once every week or once every other week. However, this approach may not always work as it does not consider the unique conditions of the growing environment for your Carruthers' falseface .

Your watering frequency can also change depending on the season. For instance, a predetermined watering schedule will likely not suffice during summer when this plant's water needs are highest. An alternative route is to set your watering frequency based on soil moisture. Typically, it is best to wait until the first two to four inches of soil, usually ⅓ to ½ depth of the pots, have dried out entirely before you give more water.

How much water does my Carruthers' falseface need?

When it comes time to water your Carruthers' falseface, you may be surprised to find that this plant does not always need a high volume of water. Instead, if only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, you can support healthy growth in the Carruthers' falseface by giving it about five to ten ounces of water every time you water. You can also decide your water volume based on soil moisture. As mentioned above, you should note how many inches of soil have dried out between waterings. A surefire way to make sure your Carruthers' falseface gets the moisture it needs is to supply enough water to moisten all the soil layers that became dry since the last time you watered. If more than half of the soil has become dry, you should consider giving more water than usual. In those cases, continue adding water until you see excess water draining from your pot’s drainage holes.

If your Carruthers' falseface is planted in an area that gets plenty of rain outdoors, it may not need additional watering. When the Carruthers' falseface is young or just getting established, make sure it gets 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it continues to grow and establish, it can survive entirely on rainwater and only when the weather is hot and there is no rainfall at all for 2-3 weeks, then consider giving your Carruthers' falseface a full watering to prevent them from suffering stress.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Carruthers' falseface enough?

Overwatering is a far more common problem for the Carruthers' falseface, and there are several signs you should look for when this occurs. Generally, an overwatered Carruthers' falseface will have yellowing leaves and may even drop some leaves. Also, overwatering can cause the overall structure of your plant to shrivel and may also promote root rot. On the other hand, an underwatered Carruthers' falseface will also begin to wilt. It may also display leaves that are brown or brittle to the touch. Whether you see signs of overwatering or underwatering, you should be prepared to intervene and restore the health of your Carruthers' falseface.

How can I water my Carruthers' falseface at different growth stages?

When the Carruthers' falseface is very young, such as when it is in a seedling stage, you will need to give it more water than you would if it were at a mature age. During the early stages of this plant’s life, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist to encourage root development. The same is true for any Carruthers' falseface that you have transplanted to a new growing location. Also, the Carruthers' falseface can develop showy flowers and fruits when you give them the correct care. If your Carruthers' falseface is in a flowering or fruiting phase, you will likely need to give a bit more water than you usually would to support these plant structures.

How can I water my Carruthers' falseface through the seasons?

The seasonal changes will affect how often you water your Carruthers' falseface. Mainly, during the hottest summer months, you will likely need to increase how much you water this plant, especially if it grows in an area that receives ample sunlight. Strong summer sunlight can cause soil to dry out much faster than usual, meaning that you’ll need to water more frequently. By contrast, your Carruthers' falseface will need much less water during the winter, as it will not be in an active growing phase. During winter, you can get by with watering once every 2 to 3 weeks or sometimes not at all. For those growing this plant indoors, you should be somewhat wary of appliances such as air conditioners, which can cause your plant to dry out more quickly, which also calls for more frequent watering.

What's the difference between watering my Carruthers' falseface indoors vs outdoors?

In some cases, your Carruthers' falseface may not need any supplemental watering when it grows outside and will survive on rainwater alone. However, if you live in an area of little to no rain, you should water this plant about every two weeks. If you belong to the group of people who live out of this plant's natural hardiness zone, you should grow it indoors. In an indoor setting, you should monitor your plant's soil as it can dry out more quickly when it is in a container or when it is exposed to HVAC units such as air conditioners. Those drying factors will lead you to water this plant a bit more often than if you grew it outdoors.

Is pruning necessary for my Carruthers' falseface?

Before your Carruthers' falseface hedge begins taking over the sidewalk, or your hanging basket Carruthers' falseface start to look scraggly, it is a good idea to think about pruning. Without proper maintenance, Carruthers' falseface may grow rapidly and uncontrollably, crowding out other plants. If you decide to include Carruthers' falseface in your garden or landscaping plan, you should monitor its growth carefully and have a plan for pruning. Pruning is as important for Carruthers' falseface as it is for any other ornamental plant species that you may choose to grow in your garden. If you prune this plant properly, you can enhance its overall health while preserving its most showy ornamental features. With that said, you cannot expect to reap those benefits if you don’t know when and how to prune this species. In fact, improper pruning can cause you to remove the season’s blooms, detracting significantly from the Carruthers' falseface’s beauty. Even if you live in a cooler area or only plan to grow Carruthers' falseface in pots or hanging baskets, regular pruning can encourage blooming and keep your plants healthy and vigorous.

When is the best time to prune my Carruthers' falseface?

To control growth and manage the size and shape of your plants, the time to prune varies according to the climate. In tropical zones, where there is no danger of frost, experts recommend pruning Carruthers' falseface right after the summer growing season. This allows the plant to rest and begin producing new growth. In temperate zones, the recommended time to prune the plant overall is early spring, after the winter and any frost, but prior to the summer blooming season. Avoid pruning in late fall unless you are in a tropical zone as pruning can reduce cold weather hardiness. Additionally, you may want to trim the plants throughout the growing season to encourage blooming. You can also prune at any time if there is any yellowing or diseased foliage.

How can I prune my Carruthers' falseface?

For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. Make each cut at a 45° angle to encourage healthy new growth. Remove any dead or decayed stems first, cutting them off just above the damaged section or cutting them completely to the ground. Next, consider the desired height and shape of your Carruthers' falseface, and then prune accordingly. To control the size of your Carruthers' falseface, you can cut back as much as a third of its height and girth . Late winter or early spring is the best time to do so. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head. Carruthers' falseface is generally vigorous and will not be harmed by pruning. But take care if you live in an area where freezing is likely. If you cut back the stems down to the woody section shortly before a freeze, this can allow water to travel through the stem to the roots, where it may freeze and kill your Carruthers' falseface.

What should I do after pruning my Carruthers' falseface?

Carruthers' falseface is generally tolerant of limited water and may become mildewy with too much water. Right after pruning is a good time to water and fertilizer though, to encourage new growth and blooming. However, care needs to be taken to avoid wounded areas when watering to avoid fungal infestation of the plant through fresh wounds. When you are ready to dispose of sections of the plant that you removed during pruning, there are two important things to keep in mind. Carruthers' falseface leaves or branches found to be diseased need to be trimmed off and destroyed away from the plant. Do not use it as compost material. Wherever you dispose of the trimmings, remember that Carruthers' falseface roots and spreads easily. Be careful that your trimmings do not inadvertently produce new, unwanted Carruthers' falseface.

What are some tips for pruning my Carruthers' falseface?

From hedges to containers, in any landscape or garden, annual pruning and regular trims can encourage Carruthers' falseface produce beautiful blooms and remain healthy for many years. For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. Make each cut at a 45° angle to encourage healthy new growth. As you are pruning your Carruthers' falseface, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetrically. Try not to prune heavily at flowering time, just the dried flowers need to be pruned back as this will affect flowering. A useful approach is to remove only the longer branches and sucker shoots, leaving the blooms closer to the primary stems intact. Finally, as you prune, be on the lookout for mold or mildew. Carruthers' falseface is susceptible to fungal or bacterial and you will want to address this problem, removing molded or fungal(bacterial) sections to avoid further damage to your Carruthers' falseface.

How many hours of sunlight does Carruthers' falseface need per day?

Carruthers' falseface needs a lot of indirect, filtered, or dappled light when grown indoors, so they should be kept in a sunny location all day. Of course, the number of daylight hours that occur naturally can vary depending on the season, but a good rule of thumb is a minimum of 6 hours, including up to 3-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Even many hours of indirect sun will not hurt Carruthers' falseface; it is only direct sun that you need to be careful about.

What type of sunlight does Carruthers' falseface need?

Carruthers' falseface in the wild get a lot of sunlight throughout the whole day. The sunlight is dappled and mostly indirect since it is filtered through the leafy canopy of tall trees growing above. When grown indoors, Carruthers' falseface should be provided with bright indirect light in a sunny windowsill or via grow lights.

Does Carruthers' falseface need to avoid sun exposure?

Carruthers' falseface does not need to avoid sun exposure completely, but the type of sunlight should be appropriate. They should not be exposed to more than 6 hours of direct sun each day. Direct sun means that the sunlight is hitting the plant directly. Indirect light could be reflected off other objects near the plant, or could be direct sun that is filtered by something such as a sheer curtain. So Carruthers' falseface should be protected from excessive direct sun.

How should I protect Carruthers' falseface from sun and heat damage?

Sunlight can hurt Carruthers' falseface that are not adapted to growing in direct sun. There are several ways to protect Carruthers' falseface from bright sunlight. First, choose a location that gets indirect light for most of the day. If the location is too bright, move the plant farther into the room away from the window. Or, you can cover the window with a light curtain or blinds. Any of these methods protect your Carruthers' falseface from both sun scorching and excessive heat from the sun.

What happens to Carruthers' falseface if it gets too much sunlight?

Too much direct sunlight will scorch the plant’s leaves, especially the upper leaves which are hit with the majority of the sun’s rays. Scorched spots on the leaves look brown and dry. Entire leaves may also wilt and turn brown. Being grown in full sun can cause the soil to dry out too quickly. In extreme cases, too much sun could kill the plant.

What happens to Carruthers' falseface if it receives insufficient sunlight?

Without enough sunlight, Carruthers' falseface become etiolated (tall and stretched out) and lose color in their leaves. Over time, the plant is not able to generate enough energy through photosynthesis to support its continued survival, and will die if it is kept in a dark location.

Does Carruthers' falseface need special attention to sunlight during different growth stages?

Carruthers' falseface should get bright indirect light regardless of their growth stage. If anything, consistency in lighting conditions will get you the best results. Once you’ve found a location where your plants are happy, it is best not to move them. However, you should monitor the location and move plants if sunlight gets too intense during summer or becomes too dark in winter.

The amount of light can affect other elements of plant care as well, particularly temperature and watering frequency. More sunlight and heat will cause water to evaporate from the soil faster, meaning you would need to water more often. Less sunlight also usually means less watering, and usually cooler temperatures. This can lead to disease or pests.

Finally, be careful when moving Carruthers' falseface from a shady location to a sunny one, such as moving plants to spend the summer outside. Carruthers' falseface can easily get sunburned if they are moved suddenly from a location with little-to-no direct sun to a spot that gets a lot of bright light. Make this kind of move gradually, starting with just 1 to 2 hours in the new location per day and gradually increasing the time. This method allows the plant to adjust to the increased light levels without getting scorched.

How much light does Carruthers' falseface need for photosynthesis?

Even the smallest amount of sunlight triggers the process of photosynthesis in plants. However, the amount of energy produced through that process needs to be enough to support the plant’s current survival and continued growth. Without plenty of sunlight, the plant will essentially starve because it doesn’t have what it needs to create energy.

What is the optimal temperature for Carruthers' falseface?

For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.

As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Does Carruthers' falseface require different temperatures for different growing phases?

While Carruthers' falseface doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

Does Carruthers' falseface need different temperatures for different seasons?

Carruthers' falseface does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.

Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Carruthers' falseface healthy?

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months

If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.

Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat

You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.

Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs

Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Carruthers' falseface?

The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Carruthers' falseface is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.

If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.

Why do I need to fertilize my Carruthers' falseface?

Fertilization is important to a Carruthers' falseface overall health and well-being. With the proper supply of energy and nutrients, your Carruthers' falseface will develop a healthy array of foliage while also producing a set of sturdy stems and branches.

However, it is the flowers of a Carruthers' falseface that are often most valuable to the gardeners who grow them. Fortunately, fertilization also helps this plant produce flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. The reason for this is that the right kind of fertilizer will make it much easier for your Carruthers' falseface to transfer fuel from its roots through its stems to its flowers. Proper fertilization also keeps this plant's health in good general condition, making it better able to fight off diseases.

When is the best time to fertilize my Carruthers' falseface?

The main time of year when you should fertilize a Carruthers' falseface is during the early spring when your plant is exiting its dormant phase and preparing to open its buds. Feeding at this time will give your Carruthers' falseface plenty of available energy to use to support its overall growth and flower development, but this is not the only time that it is a good idea to feed this plant.

An additional feeding at the end of the season during the fall months can also benefit this plant, although this second feeding does not need to be as large as the first one. Also, some gardeners choose to fertilize their Carruthers' falseface while they are planting it, but this is not always necessary.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Carruthers' falseface?

As is the case for many plants, you do not need to fertilize your Carruthers' falseface during the winter. In winter, a Carruthers' falseface will be in a dormant phase, which means it does not need to gain much energy from the soil to develop new growth. Fertilizing during winter makes it much more likely that the negative outcomes of overfertilization will occur.

The two main feeding times for a Carruthers' falseface are during the early spring and the fall. That means that during most of the spring and summer, this plant will not need fertilizer. It is also wise to hold off on feedings if your plant is experiencing excessively hot or dry conditions for whatever reason.

What type of fertilizer does my Carruthers' falseface need?

While it is often alright to use a general-purpose fertilizer that has even ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, Carruthers' falseface plants often do best when they receive a specific type of fertilizer. In most instances, the most important nutrients for a Carruthers' falseface are nitrogen and phosphorus, which is why they should appear in higher volumes in the fertilizer you use compared to the potassium content.

A fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-8 or something similar should work well. However, it can also be beneficial to apply an organic material such as compost for at least one of your annual feedings. If you choose to use fertilizer, it is most common to use granular fertilizer for a Carruthers' falseface.

How do I fertilize my Carruthers' falseface?

Applying fertilizer for your Carruthers' falseface is a quite straightforward task that any gardener can perform, even those with minimal experience. To feed your Carruthers' falseface with granular fertilizer, all you need to do is sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil. However, before you do so, make sure that you moisten the soil with water.

Additionally, you can also amend your Carruthers' falseface plant's soil by adding an organic material like compost or manure. If you want to incorporate one of those amendments into your soil, you should place some of the material on top of the soil. Then use a hand rake to gently work the material into the first few inches of soil without disturbing the roots.

What happens if I fertilize my Carruthers' falseface too much?

There are several negative outcomes that will occur if your regularly overfertilize your Carruthers' falseface. First, when you give one of these plants too much fertilizer, you can expect to see leaf discoloration and perhaps some wilting. Excessive fertilization can also lead to fertilizer burn, which will dry out the roots, making them ineffective.

However, the threats of overfertilization do not end there for the Carruthers' falseface. If you feed one of these plants too much, it may show a lack of flowers or bloom with flowers that are a bit lackluster. Also, an overfertilized Carruthers' falseface will be weaker overall, show stunted growth, and is more vulnerable to diseases and pest infestations.

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More About How-Tos

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Feng shui direction

South

Carruthers' falseface holds prime compatibility with a southern facing direction, as per the principles of Feng Shui. This direction signifies fire element which mirrors the plant's vibrant blossoms. However, interpretations can alter with different schools of Feng Shui, inviting subjectivity into the picture.

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Water

Every 1-2 weeks

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Lighting

Partial sun

Carruthers' falseface thrives when exposed to moderate levels of sunlight, a characteristic traced back to its origin habitat. While it favors a balance of shade and sun during the day, it can withstand lack of it. Excessive sun exposure can result in leaf scorch whereas too low might impede growth.

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Temperature

-5 43 ℃

Carruthers' falseface originates from tropical regions, where the climate is typically warm and humid. As a result, it is well-adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It doesn't appreciate sudden temperature changes and prefers a stable temperature environment, so it's important to avoid temperature fluctuations indoors. It usually doesn't tolerate cold temperatures and requires higher temperatures for growth. If the environmental temperature drops too low, the plant may cease growth or even die.

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Transplant

2-3 feet

The prime moment to transplant carruthers' falseface is during the late summer to early fall (S2-S3) as it helps leverage the plant's natural growth rhythm. Ideally, pick a spot with well-drained soil, partial to full sun. Take care not to plant too deep, ensuring the root ball aligns with surface level.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Carruthers' falseface 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.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

Solutions: Even though caterpillars are diverse, they all chew on plant parts and can cause significant damage if present in large numbers. For severe cases: Apply insecticide. For an organic solution, spray plants with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which specifically affects the larval stage of moths and butterflies. Be sure to coat plants, since caterpillars need to ingest Bt for it to be effective. This will not harm other insects. Spray a chili extract. Chili seeds can be cooked in water to make a spicy spray that caterpillars don't like. Spray this mixture on the plants, but be aware it will also be spicy to humans. Introduce beneficial insects. Release beneficial insects to the garden that eat caterpillars, such as parasitic wasps. For less severe cases: Hand pick. Using gloves, pick off caterpillars on plants and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water. Dust plants with diatomaceous earth. This powder is harmless to humans but irritates caterpillars. Therefore, it will make it difficult for caterpillars to move and eat.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Shaded rainforests

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Shrub

Flower Color

White

Pink

Purple

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Purple

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Acanthus

Genus

Pseuderanthemum

Species

Carruthers' falseface

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Plerandra elegantissima (formerly called Schefflera elegantissima and Dizygotheca elegantissima) also known as false aralia is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to New Caledonia. Growing to 8 to 15 m tall by 2 m broad, it is an evergreen shrub or tree. Its leaves are thin, coppery red to dark green with toothed edges. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Bloom Time

Late summer, Autumn

Felt bush

Felt bush (Kalanchoe beharensis) is a succulent perennial that will grow from 61 to 91 cm tall. It has large fleshy leaves covered in fine velvety hairs. As the plant matures it will produce clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers that range from reddish orange to greenish yellow. Thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant but needs protection from the cold. Perfect for succulent or Mediterranean gardens, borders and flower beds.

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Garden Usage

Succulent plants are so popular with people for its low maintenance cost and different but interesting shape. They can be planted in window sills as potted plant or placed on office table as house plant to decorate the environment. They can also be planted in drainable and ventilated corners of courtyard as undershrub to form a unique tropical landscape. They don't need much care, therefore being a perfect choice for busy people.

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Most Common Shrub

Plant Collection Most Common Shrub Laurustinus See More Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) is a flowering shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and it often adorns winter gardens. When little else is growing during cold days of winter, Laurustinus produces numerous clusters of tiny white flowers. Add to My GardenContinue reading “Most Common Shrub”

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Best Perennial Plant to Grow

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow Orange daylily See More The Orange daylily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plantContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

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Best Perennial Plant to Grow

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it isContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

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Most Common Shrub

Plant Collection Most Common Shrub China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it is easy toContinue reading “Most Common Shrub”

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Add to My Garden

Carruthers' falseface

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii

Carruthers' falseface (Pseuderanthemum carruthersii) is native to several island nations in the Oceanic region. It is an attractive plant that is often cultivated in ornamental gardens for its foliage and flowers. Its leaves are varying shades of green highlighted with purple and silver, and the flowers are pink and grow in clusters.

Hardiness Zones

9 to 15

Care Guide for Carruthers' falseface

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Questions About Carruthers' falseface

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Carruthers' falseface?

What should I do if I water my Carruthers' falseface too much or too little?

How often should I water my Carruthers' falseface?

How much water does my Carruthers' falseface need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Carruthers' falseface enough?

How can I water my Carruthers' falseface at different growth stages?

How can I water my Carruthers' falseface through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Carruthers' falseface indoors vs outdoors?

Is pruning necessary for my Carruthers' falseface?

When is the best time to prune my Carruthers' falseface?

How can I prune my Carruthers' falseface?

What should I do after pruning my Carruthers' falseface?

What are some tips for pruning my Carruthers' falseface?

How many hours of sunlight does Carruthers' falseface need per day?

What type of sunlight does Carruthers' falseface need?

Does Carruthers' falseface need to avoid sun exposure?

How should I protect Carruthers' falseface from sun and heat damage?

What happens to Carruthers' falseface if it gets too much sunlight?

What happens to Carruthers' falseface if it receives insufficient sunlight?

Does Carruthers' falseface need special attention to sunlight during different growth stages?

How much light does Carruthers' falseface need for photosynthesis?

What is the optimal temperature for Carruthers' falseface?

Does Carruthers' falseface require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Does Carruthers' falseface need different temperatures for different seasons?

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Carruthers' falseface healthy?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Carruthers' falseface?

Why do I need to fertilize my Carruthers' falseface?

When is the best time to fertilize my Carruthers' falseface?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Carruthers' falseface?

What type of fertilizer does my Carruthers' falseface need?

How do I fertilize my Carruthers' falseface?

What happens if I fertilize my Carruthers' falseface too much?

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Carruthers' falseface based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Learn More

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Shaded rainforests

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Shrub

Flower Color

White

Pink

Purple

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Purple

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Acanthus

Genus

Pseuderanthemum

Species

Carruthers' falseface

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False aralia

Plerandra elegantissima

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

# Useful Tips

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

# Useful Tips

Most Common Shrub

# Useful Tips

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Indoor

Requirements

Partial sun

Ideal

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

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

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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.
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

Carruthers' falseface is a popular indoor plant that prefers partial sunlight but can handle full sunlight in cooler weather. However, when placed in corners of rooms for extended periods, it may develop symptoms of light deficiency due to insufficient light exposure.

(Symptom details and solutions)

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 Carruthers' falseface 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

Carruthers' falseface 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 optimize plant growth, shift them to increasingly sunnier spots each week until they receive 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, enabling gradual adaptation to changing light conditions.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

Carruthers' falseface thrives with partial sun exposure and can tolerate full sun in cooler weather. However, they are more susceptible to sunburn, as they cannot withstand intense sunlight in high-temperature environments.

(Symptom details and solutions)

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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Indoor

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

Regional wintering strategies

Carruthers' falseface is extremely heat-loving, and any cold temperatures can cause harm to it. In the autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Carruthers' falseface indoors and place it near a bright window, but it should be kept at a certain distance from heaters. Maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter is beneficial for plant growth. Any temperatures approaching {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min} are detrimental to the plant.

Important Symptoms

Low Temperature

Carruthers' falseface prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It 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}, the leaves may lighten in color. After frost damage, the color gradually turns brown or black, and symptoms such as wilting and drooping may occur.

Solutions

Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment for cold protection. Choose a spot near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.

High Temperature

During summer, Carruthers' falseface should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.

Solutions

Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.

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Care Guide for Carruthers' falseface

Questions About Carruthers' falseface

More Questions People Also Ask

More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Distribution Map

Habitat

More Info

Scientific Classification

Related Plants

Related Articles

Care Guide for Carruthers' falseface

Questions About Carruthers' falseface

More Questions People Also Ask

More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Distribution Map

Habitat

Map

More Info

Scientific Classification

Related Plants

Related Articles