Balkan mandrake
mandragora autumnalis
Also known as: ["Balkan mandrake","mandrake"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with a thick, fleshy root, often forked, and large, ovate leaves. It produces bell-shaped flowers and yellowish berries.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Mandragora |
| Botanical Name: | Mandragora autumnalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: unknown
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or 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; tolerate partial shade but avoid direct sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light cycles.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but not frost; reduce watering in cold periods.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; seeds are less common and slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting.
- Apply hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
- Provide warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips; cut just above a leaf node; remove leggy stems.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged growth; shape plant to encourage bushier growth; maintain health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
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 fill the pot; use fresh soil to replenish nutrients.
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 until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold); wilting or leaf drop (heat); stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root damage; increases susceptibility to disease.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; reduce watering; protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch; soil dries too quickly; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good airflow.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the tropane alkaloids in Mandragora autumnalis, which can lead to severe neurological and cardiovascular effects, potentially proving fatal.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe tropane alkaloids in Mandragora autumnalis are highly toxic to dogs, causing severe anticholinergic poisoning that affects the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicMandragora autumnalis contains tropane alkaloids, primarily atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which interfere with the nervous system by blocking acetylcholine receptors. This results in anticholinergic effects, including delirium, hallucinations, and severe physiological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Mandragora autumnalis safe to grow around pets?
A: No, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the traditional uses of Mandragora autumnalis?
A: Historically, it has been used in folk medicine for its narcotic and anesthetic properties.
Q: How should Mandragora autumnalis be handled?
A: Due to its toxicity, it should be handled with care, and ingestion should be strictly avoided.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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