Indian tobacco
lobelia inflata
Also known as: ["Pukeweed","Emetic Lobelia"]
Overview
A small annual herb native to North America, known for its small, pale blue or white flowers and inflated seed pods.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Genus: | Lobelia |
| Botanical Name: | Lobelia inflata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loose, and slightly acidic soil; a mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to remove leggy stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning which can stress the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; for indoor growth, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 5–7 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a well-aerated mix; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler growing conditions, especially during flowering.
Avoid placing near heat sources; use shade cloth in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when flowering begins to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; seeds are the most common method for Lobelia inflata.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring for cuttings; sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost for outdoor planting.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and indirect light for cuttings; consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 14–21 days; cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and may take 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers; focus on maintaining shape and air circulation.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in the morning; remove dead or damaged growth; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); avoid overly large pots.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; Lobelia inflata prefers slightly root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or failure to flower in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration; may enter dormancy if too cold.
Solution: Protect from frost; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; provide a layer of mulch for ground-grown plants.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower abortion, and reduced vigor; may bolt prematurely.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Lobelia inflata. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological effects, which may be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe alkaloids in Lobelia inflata are toxic to dogs, causing significant gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances. Symptoms can escalate rapidly, leading to severe respiratory issues and potential fatality.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLobelia inflata contains lobeline and other alkaloids that act as respiratory stimulants and neuromuscular blockers. Ingestion can lead to severe physiological effects, including respiratory distress, convulsions, and potentially fatal paralysis.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lobelia inflata safe for pets?
A: No, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the traditional uses of Lobelia inflata?
A: Historically used medicinally as an emetic and for respiratory conditions, though its use is now limited due to toxicity.
Q: How does Lobelia inflata grow?
A: It is an annual plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, allowing soi |
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