Painted tongue
salpiglossis sinuata
Also known as: ["Painted tongue flower","Swan flower"]
Overview
A striking annual flower known for its vibrant, tubular flowers with intricate patterns and colors.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Salpiglossis |
| Botanical Name: | Salpiglossis sinuata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or outdoor garden bed with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter; cactus mix can work well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; deadhead regularly.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade for 6–8 hours daily; protect from intense midday sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to outdoor light; provide shade during peak sun hours; avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; use raised beds for outdoor plants; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C); tolerates mild heat but thrives in cooler conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent cool conditions for best flowering.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during growing season, avoid in winter
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; use organic options for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; seeds are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings/prepare seeds.
- Apply rooting hormone (if using).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity, and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for stem cuttings to encourage rooting.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 2–3 weeks; stem cuttings root in 3–4 weeks and establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; snip stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, disinfectant spray.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; deadhead spent blooms; trim leggy stems; inspect for pests.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Suggestions
Repot annually or when roots fill the pot; Salpiglossis prefers slightly root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Choose right-sized pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away completely.
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 sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; cold damage shows as blackened or necrotic leaves.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or death in frost conditions.
Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors in cold climates; use row covers or cloches for outdoor protection.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat leads to wilting, flower drop, and reduced vigor.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; rinse salts occasionally.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Salpiglossis sinuata. The alkaloids can cause discomfort, but severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Salpiglossis sinuata can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The alkaloids present may cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening unless consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSalpiglossis sinuata contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised due to potential cumulative effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Salpiglossis sinuata?
A: Propagate by seed, sowing indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplanting outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Salpiglossis?
A: Prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Salpiglossis turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies. Adjust watering and ensure proper soil conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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