Aralia racemosa aka Indianroot

Taxonomy ID: 5759

Aralia racemosa, also known as American spikenard, small spikenard, Indian root, spice berry, spignet, life-of-man, and petty morel, is an ornamental plant in the Araliaceae family. This herbaceous plant can reach heights of 1 to 2 meters and is commonly found in shady areas across the United States and Canada. It features small white flowers that form spherical clusters of red-purple-black berries, showcasing its relation to Ivy. American Spikenard is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light within 1 foot of a window. It requires well-draining soil and benefits from repotting when it doubles in size. Belonging to the Aralia genus, this plant is native to North America.

Common names

Indianroot, Life Of Man, Old Man's Root, American Spikenard, Small Spikenard, Indian Root, Spice Berry, Spignet, Petty Morel

More information about Indianroot

How difficult is it to take care of Indianroot

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Indianroot due to its easy-going nature.

What is the region of origin of Indianroot

Indianroot’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec to Georgia, west to Kansas and Minnesota.

What are the water needs for Indianroot

Indianroot should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Indianroot

Indianroot loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Indianroot

Indianroot thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Old Man's Root.

How to fertilize Indianroot

The growth rate of Indianroot is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Is Indianroot toxic to humans/pets?

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

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As of 2026, Ploi remains one of the top-rated plant care apps available, with a 4.99-star rating. Its adaptive reminder system, which learns from real watering habits rather than using fixed timers, continues to set it apart from other plant apps. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web, and includes care guides, AI identification, photo journals, and comprehensive activity tracking.