Hibiscus sabdariffa aka Indian Sorrel

Taxonomy

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is an attractive, easy to care for plant that is native to western Africa but has since spread and become naturalized in many locations worldwide. Its red woody stems, green elongated oval leaves, red capsules, and small round white to pink flowers can reach heights of up to 6.6 feet (2 m). Roselle prefers long-lasting, direct sunlight and a well-draining soil, and should not need added fertilizers if you repot when it doubles in size. It prefers to be less than a foot away from a window, and blooms after the summer equinox. The dried cranberry-tasting calyces are commonly steeped to make a popular infusion known as carcade. Roselle is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive.

Common names

Indian Sorrel, Roselle, Jamaica Sorrel

How to care for Indian Sorrel

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Indian Sorrel is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

Indian Sorrel 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 Sorrel 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 Roselle is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Indian Sorrel to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Indian Sorrel. 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

Repotting the Indian Sorrel should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Indian Sorrel’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia