Wild Dagga help! Klip Dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia)

I have recently begun the task of growing a very interesting species native to tropical Africa and southern India called Klip Dagga. The seedlings started out very fast and strong then have begun to slow down and slightly yellow.
Location: Florida, Zone 9b
Sun: Indoors, now moved to partial shade outdoors.
Soil: Black Cow compost, peat moss, sandy dirt mix.
PH: 5-6
Watering: Not overly saturated well drained.
Pest: none

What might be causing the leaves to look less healthy than before?


This message was edited Aug 28, 2014 10:54 AM

I wonder if you have too much organic matter in the soil mix. Just googling the botanical name and reading the info suggests that this plant is better in neutral (not acidic) soil, and can grow in disturbed sites and odd niches. While it may need some water to get going as a seedling, I think it would be better with more sand in the mix, so there is also more air around the roots.

Also, I have been reading about how invasive it is.

Yeah they are considered a weed in certain states. I plan on keeping them in a container in my green house.

Ill definetly look into transplanting one or two into more sandy soil. Thanks!

Leonotis seedlings do not like high temperatures, too high humidity and direct sun. when i sow leonotis seedlings i keep air humidity low to medium, temperature around 15 C or 18 C and i do not use compost or organic matter - the soil i use is airy coconut fiber enriched potting soil ( often used for houseplants ). Leonotis species DO NOT like heavy soil. Keep the PH around 5 or 6 but not higher or lower.

gradually build up tolerance to sunlight before moving to full sun

Thanks for great info! Ill have to pick up some coco mix. The heat and humidity part will be tricky to work around its a tropical jungle right now in SW FL. Should I move them indoors, near a window?

I have had better luck outdoors with cuttings and seeds, as long as the conditions are right. My house is very dry, most plants do not like it. But if I cover the seedlings (such as with a plastic bag) they get fungi and die.

indoors near a window works fine , remember if you move a plant from outside to indoors they often will get spider mite or other pest ( takes a while but they will get infestations ). i always sow seeds indoor in sterile coco pot soil ( either take designated for houseplants or sterilize outdoor coco mix in the microwave ) , this way they aren't as prone to spider mites and other pests ( which normally are on outdoor plants or in unsterilized potting soil ) - eventually when they get big enough i can move them outdoors.

your plan is good as long you do pest managment ( check forum ).

they can do without ventilation but they do like a good airflow.