Castilleja miniata

Taxonomy

Castilleja miniata, also known as the giant red Indian paintbrush, is a native species of western North America. This herbaceous perennial grows up to 25cm tall and thrives in moist environments across various habitat types. It has upright stems with narrow leaves and, during the summer, produces terminal clusters of red-orange bracts. These bracts, which have an apple green base, surround the vibrant red flowers. The plant itself is slender and can reach heights of about 80 centimeters, with lance-shaped leaves coated in thin hairs. The inflorescence consists of bright red to pale orange bracts, often with orange tips. Within these bracts emerge tubular flowers that are yellow-green with red edges.

How to care for Castilleja miniata

Difficulty

Castilleja miniata requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Lighting

Castilleja miniata requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Castilleja miniata will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia