Salvia elegans aka Pineapple Sage

Taxonomy

Salvia elegans, also known as pineapple sage or tangerine sage, is a frost-tender perennial shrub native to Mexico and Guatemala. This species has several varieties and can be found inhabiting Madrean and Mesoamerican pine-oak forests at elevations between 6,000 and 9,000 ft (1,800 and 2,700 m). Pineapple sage is a low-maintenance plant that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its bright red flowers, making it a popular choice for pollinator and butterfly gardens. It prefers direct light and well-draining soil, and should be watered regularly. This plant can also be grown indoors as a houseplant, and when repotted every time it doubles in size, it does not require additional fertilizers.

Common names

Pineapple Sage, Pineapple Scented Sage, Salvia

How to care for Pineapple Sage

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Pineapple Sage 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

Pineapple Sage 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 Pineapple Scented Sage is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Pineapple Sage 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.

Humidity

The Pineapple Sage does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Pineapple Sage 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 Pineapple Sage displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Pineapple Sage’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia