Salvia "Phoenix rises" - pinching works!

[chrishna58]

Thank you, Sasquatch. 

Unfortunately for my goals (outdoor growing), I believe this was the result of a lot of coddling/being in an near perfect environment (which was purely accidental on my part as I'm learning as I go).  She didn't stay that way once the hot weather resulted in the AC turning on, even though I've measured the indoor humidity at ~50-60%.  Outdoors is slightly higher, but there's that afternoon breeze so she didn't show much improvement after I moved her outside. 

After I get some cuttings I'll try to reproduce this earlier result and keep a couple of plants indoors in a more isolated setup.

I'm really amazed at how one plant can put out a wide variety of leaves, depending on the environment.  I'll just have to wait and see how the new growth does.

[chrishna58]

Lighting: Outdoors, about 2 hours of direct sunlight, the rest shade
Grow Media/Soil Mix: Miracle Gro
Fertilizer: EB Stone All Purpose Plant Food 5-5-5
Temperature Range: day: 80s - 90s; night: high 60s
Humidity:  ~50%; plus misting twice a day
Started From: Clone


Well it's been a month since I moved her outdoors and pinched her tops (the pot contains three stems). She looks quite acclimated to the new environment - no browning or excessive curling of leaves. But gone are the beautiful and delicate leaves she had when she grew in a protected environment. Now her leaves are heavier and tougher.

The pinching really worked! Not only did two stems grow in place of the one, but new growth was stimulated further down the plant as well. But I am gradually removing the browned leaves. Some leaves were also sun-damaged as I experimented with different locations.