I have a young cat's whiskers plant planted in the ground. Should I use a trellis or something else so it can grow vertical or will it grow vertically on it's own? Thank you
Eventually, these will stand up on their own. They may also grow so large that they may fall back over. They can get up to 4 feet tall! Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cat-whiskers/growing-cat-whiskers.htm
The leaves of the cat’s whiskers are blotchy pale yellow and white. What is wrong last year the leaves were totally green
It would seem that these are prone to mosaic virus, which will be in the soil permanently. There is no treatment for this, but you may be able to prolong the death by using fungicide. Just apply it as the package recommends.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cat-whiskers/growing-cat-whiskers.htm
I live in north central Florida, my cat whiskers bush got hit by frost , now looks all dried out and dead, should I ct it down? Wil it grow back?
It's hardy in USDA zones 9-12. In your zone 9, it should be able to withstand 20 to 25 degrees F. There is a good chance only the top growth froze and the roots are still alive. Wait till all danger of frost has passed, then cut it down to the ground. It should grow back.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cat-whiskers/growing-cat-whiskers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htm
I want to buy orthosiphon aristatus (cats whiskers) seeds anyone know where I can purchase these from ,I live in uk
We don't make vendor recommendations but I did a search as you probably did and I didn't see anything in your country. An article I read echoed your frustration in finding seeds but the article said they are worth the search. Start by asking friends, neighbors, retail nurseries if they know of someone who has one and might let you take a cutting. Good luck!
I have a couple of these plants and grow them indoors (I'm in Ontario, Canada.) A friend of mine would like to grow them and I said I'd save her seeds (I've had 2 flower spikes) but I'm not sure where to look for them. Since it's mint-like, I'm looking in the sepal where the flower's fallen off, but so far no sign. I only bought the plant this spring, so it's not very old (though its stems are anywhere from a few inches to almost 2" long. It sits on a light stand designed for seed-starting. Any further info would be appreciated, I can't find much on this interesting creature.
You were looking in the correct spot, but it would not have had enough time to form seeds yet. The area will swell and turn brown when the seeds are ready.
The better option will be to grow the plant from cuttings. They propagate, asexually, very easily- Much like mint. You can take a piece of the tip of a plant (when it isn't flowering) or dig up a section with roots already on it. (This is what I'd do).
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cat-whiskers/growing-cat-whiskers.htm
It’s in pot outside next to front door right now.
It is considered a tropical plant, so you will need to overwinter it indoors in a sunny window. If it has gone to seed, you can collect the seeds to plant next spring, or you can take cuttings and start a new plant indoors. Here is more on its care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cat-whiskers/growing-cat-whiskers.htm