Dianthus caryophyllus aka Carnation
Taxonomy
Common names
Carnation, Clove Pink, Divine FlowerHow 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