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Bear ’s Breeches plantaka Acanthus mollis ( a - kan’thus mil - lis ) , is a herbaceous , perennial industrial plant , that does not have a persistent woody stalk above the ground .
The name of the plant is derived from the Greek parole , ákanthos , which just means “ thorn ” .
The name is befitting , name to the thorn - bearing sepal of the plant life .
The word “ Mollis ” originates from Latin and means “ easy / fluent ” , mention to the texture of the leaves .
Native to the Mediterranean realm , these plants from the fellowship Acanthaceae love red-hot and dry summertime and modest and rainy winters .
have it off as one of the oldest tame works , Acanthus turn out breech is usually found in neighborhood of southerly Europe ranging from Portugal and Africa to Croatia .
While it is a popular species , these flora are considered to be invasive in some realm . In Australia , it is known as theoyster flora .
Keep in mind that while bear breeches are a flowering plant , its leaf , with lustrous , moody - gullible leaves , is quite baronial and attractive .
The foliage is deep lob and holds historic economic value since the foliage of the plant are believe to have inspired the ancient Grecian sculpturer to model the tip of the Corinthian editorial .
The ancient Hellenic poet have also described the infamous Helen of Troy as wearing a dress made of acanthus leaves .
Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus Mollis) Care
Size & Growth
Including florescence , Bear ’s Breech flora can progress to the height of 48 ” inch .
The green leaves are soft to touch and usually grow up to 16 ” inches in length and 8 ” inch encompassing .
Keep in mind that these plants usually grow quickly , from seeds as well as from portions of base .
Moreover , with right upkeep and under the correct conditions , these plants can be on for twelvemonth !
Flowering and Fragrance
As a flowering plant , Acanthus Mollis has an inflorescence growing above the ball of leaves .
It has cylindric flower spikes unremarkably around 12 ” – 16 ” inches in length and can grow up to 120 flowers .
The white-hot blossom are usually brooch by green or empurpled bracts .
The flush meter for the bear ’s breech bloom begins in previous fountain or early summertime ( May - August ) .
Keep in thinker that these plants are temperamental about flower as bud can easily get damaged due to late spring hoar .
Light & Temperature
Related : The Persian Shield is part of the Acanthaceae sept too . What temperature do they like?Strobilanthes Dyerianus aka Persian Shield , prefers warm temperature between 60 - 75 ° degrees Fahrenheit . They need protection from frost . More onStrobilanthes Persian Shield .
Watering and Feeding Bears Breeches
Once established , Acanthus breech industrial plant are hardy plants and extremely immune to drought .
However , it is advisable to stick to veritable lacrimation . Water plant life once or twice a workweek .
An in of water a workweek should do the trick . It will also verify that you do n’t overwater and drown the root word .
Acanthus plants are not operose feeders . utilise fertilizer during the flowering season ( springtime or mid - summer ) .
Use a balanced fertilizer and apply it only if the plant looks like it call for some .
Soil & Transplanting
Bear breeches enjoy ample soil . The more compost or organic fabric contribute the glad these flora will be .
This is particularly important for young plants .
Once establish the plant life can thrive in poor soil as well .
However , it is absolutely essential to check that that the soil is well - drain .
Otherwise , the roots may moulder , especially during the moth-eaten winter month of the class .
The optimal pH level of the filth stray from 6.5 to 7.5 .
Grooming and Maintenance
Under the right condition , these plants are sturdy and self - sufficient and do not need much pampering .
However , when get in live mood , it is advisable to prune the plants after the flowering time of year to advance brisk leafage .
The best approach is to await till spring to prune or cut back declining leaves .
How To Propagate Bear Breeches Acanthus?
The Acanthus plant life can be propagated through seed , cutting , and division .
Keep in intellect that under the correct experimental condition , this plant may pass around vigorously on its own .
When grow from seeds , spring is the good clip to seed the seeds . However , Acanthus mollis grown from seminal fluid may take years to bloom .
partitioning is one of the more favored method .
Since these plants have recollective taproot , the best way to split them is to push up a shovel in the flora ’s roots during downfall .
By springiness , the tooth root will acquire a number of baby plant that can be transpose without causing damage to the parent plant .
On the other hand , if you require to disperse plant life through cuttings , it is advisable to root thinning in spring or fall .
Bears Breeches Acanthus Pest or Disease Problems
While Acanthus mollis is resistant to most insect attacks , powdery mold and other fungal diseasescan present serious problems for these works .
The light way to deal with this job is to supply good air circulation and employ a good - quality fungicide .
Suggested Uses For Acanthus Bear Breech Plants
Acanthus Mollis was traditionally used as a treatment for dislocated articulation and sunburn .
Some citizenry also used it to process the stung digestive and urinary tract .
However , today , it is generally live as a beautiful ornamental plant and popular in coastal locations .
Used on an individual basis it makes a good garden idiom , it is also useful as a ground cover when planted to report enceinte area with moist soil . The flower stalks make hunky-dory dry arrangements .
