Texas Indian Paintbrush
castilleja indivisa
Also known as: ["One-flowered Indian Paintbrush","Texas Paintbrush"]
Overview
A hemiparasitic annual herb native to Texas, known for its bright red-orange bracts that resemble paintbrushes.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Castilleja |
| Botanical Name: | Castilleja indivisa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: native prairie or meadow, can be grown in a raised bed or container with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; mimics native soil conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning which can stress the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use raised beds in heavy soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in spring and fall; sensitive to extreme heat and cold.
Monitor temperature extremes; use shade or frost protection as needed; adjust watering based on temperature.
Fertilizing
rarely needed, apply balanced fertilizer every 3 months if growth is poor
Fertilize sparingly to prevent leggy growth; apply in early morning or evening; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; seeds are the most reliable method for Castilleja indivisa.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant seeds or cuttings.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when temperatures are mild and humidity is moderate.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite, sand, and peat moss; or cactus/succulent soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds may take 3–6 weeks to germinate; stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; mist cuttings regularly; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or shear lightly; remove dead or damaged growth as needed.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead growth; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); increase pot diameter by 2–3 inches.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water begins to drain from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and fall; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter; avoid watering during dormancy in summer unless soil is extremely dry.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or frost damage in cold conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, slow growth, or death if exposed to prolonged freezing.
Solution: Provide frost protection with mulch or row covers; avoid planting in low-lying areas prone to frost; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower abortion, and root rot if overwatered.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase air circulation; water deeply but infrequently; avoid fertilizing during heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid overfertilizing; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter or summer dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that consume Castilleja indivisa may experience mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic to felines but can cause mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Castilleja indivisa by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort and mild symptoms in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCastilleja indivisa contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in humans. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or allergies.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Castilleja indivisa toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Castilleja indivisa grow?
A: It is a hemiparasitic plant that requires association with host plants for optimal growth.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Castilleja indivisa?
A: It thrives in full sun, well-drained soils, and is adapted to drought conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| 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
