Indian Pink
spigelia marilandica
Also known as: ["Woodland Pinkroot","Cardinal Flower"]
Overview
A striking perennial herb native to eastern North America, known for its vibrant red and yellow tubular flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Loganiaceae |
| Genus: | Spigelia |
| Botanical Name: | Spigelia marilandica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with partial afternoon shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; should not stay soggy but retain some moisture.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to encourage new growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of morning sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure.
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 adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
moist, well-draining, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain slightly acidic pH.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild heat but dislikes extreme cold or frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly and frequently rather than heavily; stop fertilizing in fall and winter; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings with at least two nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic bags or propagator for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of older stems; light shaping of new growth; avoid heavy pruning during flowering.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or crossing branches; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; 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; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture without saturating the foliage; allow water to penetrate deeply to encourage root growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-integrated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, wilting, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth in unfavorable temperatures.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback; frost can be fatal.
Solution: Protect from frost with a cover or move indoors; ensure good air circulation to prevent cold dampness.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may require more frequent watering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicSpigelia marilandica poses a toxic risk to cats, particularly due to its cardiac glycosides, which can induce severe cardiac and gastrointestinal complications. Cats are highly sensitive to these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicSpigelia marilandica is toxic to dogs due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can lead to severe cardiac and gastrointestinal distress. Even small amounts can cause significant health issues in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSpigelia marilandica contains toxic alkaloids that can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances upon ingestion. The plant's effects are primarily due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can disrupt normal heart function in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Spigelia marilandica toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Indian Pink attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: How much sunlight does Spigelia marilandica need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Loganiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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