If you want to add a distinguished color to your home décor, you should consider getting the silver sword plant. The silver sword plant has silverish sword-shaped leaves with metallic shine that gives your home and garden a unique appearance. They are usually called Aroid and belong to the family of plants called Araceae.
The plant is not just unique in its shape and color but also in its easy-to-maintain status. Getting the plant is a good and beautiful addition to your garden, and it is best for newbies or those who need less time to take care of plants. It is easy to plant, care and maintain in all areas of plant management you can consider.
How to Plant the Silver Sword Plant
The silver sword plant is a tropical plant that originates in Brazil, so consider the tropical environment when planting the plant. Stem cutting is the best way to grow the silver sword plant, as the seeds are challenging to get.
Using the steps shown below:
- Cut a stem from a healthy plant with at least two nodes. The root will develop from the nodes, so you want a healthy one growing fast.
- Ensure that you have a smooth cut below the nodes for proper propagation and root development. Therefore use sharp scissors or blades to get a quick and clean cut below the nodes.
- You can place the stem cutting in water or directly on the soil pot.
- Place the cutting in a clean jar of water for those using water. Ensure to change the water often to prevent bacteria from affecting the plant, and you will start seeing root development in about six weeks.
- Transfer the stem cuttings after the root starts developing to a pot with suitable soil to ensure growth.
If you are planting the stem cutting directly on the soil, follow the guide below to ensure full growth potential:
- After you have obtained the stem cutting as discussed above, place it in a pot containing the required soil.
- Cover the soil with a plastic bag to maintain its humid requirement.
- At this point, water the plants at least every three days.
- And in six weeks, the root would have developed with small leaves appearing.
- You can start watering the plant twice a week and add appropriate fertilizers to aid growth.
You must consider the silver sword plant’s requirement regarding its natural habitat and try to replicate the conditions. We will show you how to care for and maintain the plant to ensure it grows to its potential.
Caring and Nurturing the Silver Sword Plant
The silver sword plants are fast growers and develop beautiful, shiny silver-colored leaves shaped like a sword. It is easy to maintain either as an indoor or outdoor plant.
Set the right conditions, as I will detail below, and it is a no-brainer to get this plant thriving.
Lighting Conditions
Get it right and watch your plant foliage blossom with enough indirect, bright light. You should not place it under direct sunlight, but provide enough brightness, and it will grow fast. It is one of the easiest ornamental plants to manage during the summer.
I have noticed that poor lighting conditions may hinder growth. However, the plant will survive, but it will not grow as well as those with enough sunlight. But in whatever light conditions, do not place it directly into the sunlight, for it will damage its foliage.
Soil Requirement
The silver sword plant requires loose and well-drained soil. A food mix of soil, peat, moss, and perlite will do the magic, and this mixture will provide the organic contents needed and prevent water logging.
The soil must be well drained to prevent root rotting. And the organic contents will ensure full-grown foliage of the plant. A mildly acidic soil PH level of (6.1 – 7.5) to neutral is required.
For indoor gardening, I will recommend you use perforated pots. The perforated pot will allow the water to drain off and protect the root.
Watering the Silver Sword Plant
The silver sword plant is different from most garden plants for it can withstand over-watering. However, it is essential to maintain a watering schedule.
Humidity Requirement
The silver sword plant thrives in moderate to high humidity. Since you know it originates from the tropics, you should mimic tropical conditions to get the best of the plant.
A dry atmosphere can adversely affect the plant. Achieving a humid condition indoors is necessary, and you can accomplish that in the following ways:
- Staying or sparingly water on the leaves is known as misting the plant.
- You can gather the plants close and recreate a tropical-like environment. Putting them in one place can help manage the humidity in the room.
- During the dry period, you can place your plant in the bathroom, and the plant can bask in the humid atmosphere in the bathroom.
Temperature Requirement
They will thrive at average room temperature, but an extreme temperature, either too cold or too hot, will damage the plant.
Fertilizers Requirement
I recommend that you apply fertilizers only when needed. Fertilizers will be required when you notice weakness in the plant. The best time to use fertilizers is during the spring and summer.
Pruning
Get rid of dead leaves and parts by carrying out regular Pruning. Pruning will help remove vulnerable plant parts, likely affecting or infecting other parts.
Repotting
The silver sword plant will be due for repotting in a year or two. Since the plant is fast-growing, reporting should be done when you notice the roots start cracking the pots. Another sign to repot is when the leaves begin to wilt.
The following conditions should be adhered to when repotting:
- It would be best if you used a pot or container twice the size of the original pot.
- Ensure the pot have holes for draining water.
- Uproot the plant gently from the original pot.
- Remove the soil that covers the root of the plant.
- Pour the appropriate soil mix to fill half of the pot, then place the plant in the middle before serving it with the soil mix.
- Please place it in a place with enough indirect sunlight.
- Water regularly.
Pest Control
Other than the plant being attracted to insects such as spider mites, scale bugs, mealybugs, and thrips, they possess no pest problems. These house insects can be handled using simple home cleaning methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the silver sword plant toxic?
Several parts of the plants contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxins to both plants and humans. Place out of the reach of children and animals.
How much will a silver sword plant grow?
The silver sword plant can grow up to 10 feet under suitable conditions. It is a vining plant; it will climb and grow higher when supported.
Does the silver sword plant emit fragrance?
Certain types of silver sword plants emit a fragrance that aids pollination. Also, it can emit offensive smells due to diseases or fungi.
What causes the dropping of leaves in silver sword plants?
Your silver sword plants will start dropping leaves as a sign of weakness or lack of sunlight. The plant may also begin to drop leaves due to overwatering or underwatering of the plant.