Chinese Hound's Tongue
cynoglossum grande
Also known as: ["Great Hound's Tongue","Chinese Hound's Tongue"]
Overview
A biennial herbaceous plant native to China, known for its large, ovate leaves and spikes of blue flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Cynoglossum |
| Botanical Name: | Cynoglossum grande |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 2–3 months; major pruning annually after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to partial shade in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light, avoid sudden exposure to intense sun, and provide shade during peak summer hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures in winter promote dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize in spring/summer only; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop before winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus soil.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips, cut just above a leaf node, and remove yellowing or damaged leaves.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier, healthier plants; shape as needed.
Tools
Clean pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead growth, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, add fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure proper drainage, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, and avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCynoglossum grande can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The alkaloids present in the plant may lead to discomfort, though severe toxicity is unlikely.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cynoglossum grande can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. While not highly toxic, symptoms may occur if consumed in sufficient amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCynoglossum grande contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's toxicity is generally considered low for humans, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cynoglossum grande toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Cynoglossum grande?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Cynoglossum grande attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
