Maintenance Landscaping Design

Silver sheen is an ornamental plant that is part of the aster family. It is a perennial plant that blooms in the late summer and fall. The plant gets its name from the silvery sheen that the leaves have.

Also called

• silversheen
  
• silverleaf
  
• tree of heaven
  
• ailanthus
  
• Chinese sumac

Good to Know

• Silver sheen is a type of spray-on metalized polyester film.
  
• It is often used as a decorative finish on consumer electronics, automobiles and household appliances.
  
• Silver sheen is produced by vapor deposition of a thin layer of silver onto a polyester film substrate.
  
• The resulting film is highly reflective and has a metallic luster.
  
• Silver sheen is resistant to tarnishing and is also used as a barrier film to protect against moisture, humidity and oxygen.
  
• Silver sheen films can be applied to a variety of substrates, including plastic, glass and metal.
  
• Silver sheen films are typically clear or translucent, but can also be tinted to produce a range of colors.
  
• Silver sheen films can be printed on, die-cut or stamped to create a variety of effects.
  
• Silver sheen films are typically removed by peeling or scraping, but can also be dissolved in a solvent.
  
• Silver sheen films are considered to be non-toxic and are safe for use in food packaging applications.

Related plant:
Elaeagnus Quicksilver

How to Grow

1. For silver sheen , first step is to soak the seeds in aloe vera juice for at least 24 hours.
   
2. After soaking, plant the seeds in a seed-starting tray or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix.
   
3. Water the seeds gently and place the tray or pots in a warm, bright location.
   
4. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and within a few weeks the silver sheen seeds should germinate.
   
5. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them so that only the strongest seedlings remain.
   
6. Transplant the seedlings into larger pots or into the garden once they are a few inches tall and the weather is warm.
   
7. Space the plants a few feet apart, and water them regularly.
   
8. Fertilize silver sheen regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
   
9. In late summer or early fall, cut the plants back to encourage new growth.
   
10. Overwinter the plants indoors in a cool, bright location.

Related plant:
Buddleja Silver Anniversary

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, silver sheen looks best in moist, well-drained soil that's high in organic matter. The soil should be fertile and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH. You can improve poor soil by working in some aged compost or manure before planting. Silver sheen is relatively tolerant of poor drainage, but too much moisture can lead to problems with root rot.

Light requirement

Similar to other houseplants, silver sheen (Lunaria annua) benefits from a sunny windowsill. If you don't have a sunny spot in your home, you can grow silver sheen under fluorescent lights. Keep the lights about 6 inches (15 cm) above the plants, and run them for 12 to 16 hours a day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition can vary depending on the silver sheen. If the silver sheen is in a hot environment, then it will be harder to maintain. If the silver sheen is in a cold environment, then it will be easier to maintain.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 70%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow. To increase the humidity, you can mist the leaves with water or use a humidifier.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, usually the plant need three main elements which are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Those are the staff help the plant to grow and make the fruit or flower more bigger, more beautiful. And about the root, it usually grows under the ground and it can help to hold the plant, make sure the plant can stand by itself. Also, the root can help the plant to get the water and food from the soil.

Light requirement

Pruning your silver sheen plant will encourage new growth and help keep the plant healthy. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to make clean cuts. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, stems, or branches. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Silver sheen plants can be propagated from stem cuttings or by division. To take stem cuttings, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove a 6-inch section of stem from a healthy plant. Cut just below a node, which is the point on the stem where leaves are attached. Place the cutting in a sterile potting mix and water well. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. New growth should appear in 4-6 weeks. Once the new plant is established, you can transplant it to a larger pot or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is in the spring and summer. However, if the plant is well-watered, it can continue to grow throughout the year. The plant can reach a height of 15 feet and a width of 10 feet.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, spider mites, and whitefly. If you see any of these pests on your plant, you should treat them immediately. These pests can cause serious damage to your plant, and they can be difficult to get rid of.

Tips on Growing

• If you are growing silver sheen in a pot, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
  
• Silver sheen plants prefer bright, indirect light.
  
• Water silver sheen plants when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
  
• Fertilize silver sheen plants every couple of weeks during the growing season.
  
• Pinch back silver sheen plants to encourage bushier growth.
  
• Be sure to deadhead spent flowers on silver sheen plants.
  
• Silver sheen plants are susceptible to mealybugs and aphids. Check your plants regularly for signs of infestation and treat accordingly.
  
• Powdery mildew can also be a problem for silver sheen plants. Avoid overcrowding plants to improve air circulation and prevent this fungal disease.
  
• If you live in an area with frost, it is best to grow silver sheen plants

Substitution

• Silver Sheen Tree
  
• Silver Sheen Obelisk
  
• Silver Sheen Ash
  
• Silver Sheen Bark
  
• Silver Sheen Box

Source:
Silverbells | Home & Garden Information Center - Clemson …
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