Gaillardia pulchella aka Indian Blanket
Taxonomy
Common names
Indian Blanket, Firewheel, Rose Ring Blanket Flower, Rose Ring GaillardiaHow to care for Indian Blanket
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Indian Blanket, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Indian Blanket should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Indian Blanket 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
Indian Blanket 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 Rose Ring Gaillardia will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Indian Blanket plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Indian Blanket has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
The Indian Blanket displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.
More info:
Wikipedia