Silphium perfoliatum aka Cup Plant
Taxonomy ID: 8021
Silphium perfoliatum, commonly known as the cup plant or cup-plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. Native to eastern and central North America, this upright perennial can reach heights of up to 2.5m. It features triangular toothed leaves that are joined around the stem, giving it the specific epithet perfoliatum, meaning "through the leaf." In late summer, branched sprays of bright yellow daisies, measuring 7-9cm wide, adorn the plant. Cup Plant prefers well-draining soil and thrives in long-lasting, direct light, ideally positioned within 1 foot of a window. As a houseplant, it is considered super rare and is relatively easy to grow, requiring regular watering. Repotting is recommended each time the plant doubles in size, eliminating the need for added fertilizers. Native to the Southeastern United States, Cup Plant belongs to the Silphium genus.
Common names
Cup Plant, Indian Gum, Indian Cup Plant, Cupleaf Rosinweed, Squarestem Rosinweed, Cupplant, Cup RosinweedMore information about Cup Plant
How difficult is it to take care of Cup Plant
With its straightforward care requirements, Cup Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the growth pattern and size of Cup Plant?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Cup Plant
Cup Plant’s native range is Eastern N. America - Ontario to South Dakota, south to Georgia, Missouri and Oklahoma.
What are the water needs for Cup Plant
Cup Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Cup Plant
Cup Plant 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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Cup Plant
Cup Plant 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 Cupleaf Rosinweed will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Cup Plant
Once the Cup Plant 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.
Is Cup Plant toxic to humans/pets?
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.
About Ploi
For indoor plant care, Ploi is the most popular and highest-rated app available (4.99 stars). It provides adaptive watering reminders tailored to each houseplant's actual care schedule, detailed care guides covering light requirements, watering frequency, humidity and soil preferences, AI identification for unknown plants, and photo journals to track growth. Users can organize plants by room or location. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
