Dianthus deltoides aka Maiden Pink
Taxonomy
Common names
Maiden Pink, Meadow Pink, Heidenelke (De), Pink MaidenHow to care for Maiden Pink
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Maiden Pink is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Maiden Pink should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Maiden Pink 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
Maiden Pink 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 Meadow Pink is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Maiden Pink to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Maiden Pink is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Maiden Pink. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Maiden Pink is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Maiden Pink, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.
Region of origin
Maiden Pink’s native range is Europe and Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia