Silene laciniata aka Indian Pink
Taxonomy
Silene laciniata, commonly known as fringed Indian pink, cardinal catchfly, Mexican campion, Mexican-pink, and campion, is a stunning perennial herb in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States, ranging from California to Texas, as well as northern Mexico. The plant's one to several slender and weak stems, which can grow up to 2.5 feet tall, often lean against other vegetation. The leaves are densely covered with sticky hairs, and the showy, brilliant-red, tubular flowers with five jagged petals occur at the ends of the branches. Fringed Indian Pink is a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive, and it does best in long-lasting, direct light less than a foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining and shouldn't require added fertilizers if you repot it each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Indian Pink, Fringed Indian Pink, Cardinal Catchfly, Mexican Campion, Mexican PinkHow to care for Indian Pink
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Indian Pink due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Indian Pink should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Indian 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
To ensure optimal growth, the Indian Pink prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The Indian Pink should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
Indian Pink grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Silene Genus
Silene dichotoma Forked Catchfly
Silene lemmonii Lemmon's Catchfly
Silene stellata Starry Campion
Silene regia Royal Catchfly
Silene uralensis Polar Campion
Silene flos-jovis Flower Of Jupiter
Silene gallica Small Flowered Catchfly
Silene latifolia Bladder Campion
