Dianthus caryophyllus aka Carnation

Taxonomy

Dianthus caryophyllus, commonly known as the carnation or clove pink, is a species of Dianthus likely native to the Mediterranean region. It is an herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 80 cm (31 1⁄2 in) tall, with glaucous greyish green to blue-green, slender leaves up to 15 cm (6 in) long. The flowers are produced singly or up to five together in a cyme; they are around 3–5 cm (1 1⁄4–2 in) diameter, and sweetly scented, in a range of colors including pinkish-purple, red, white, yellow, blue and green. Border Carnation is a popular houseplant that isn't challenging to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Due to its extensive cultivation for the last 2,000 years, its exact natural range is not known.

Common names

Carnation, Clove Pink, Divine Flower

How to care for Carnation

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Carnation, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

Carnation 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.

Lighting

Carnation requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Clove Pink is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Carnation plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Carnation is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Carnation does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Carnation grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Carnation as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Carnation’s native range is Europe and Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia