Indian Pink

Indian Pink needs consistent, even watering to ensure healthy growth and blooming. It is recommended to water your Indian Pink as soon as the top inch of soil begins to feel dry to the touch. On average, an Indian Pink will need to be watered every 5-7 days, and slightly more frequently during hot or dry conditions. It's important to check soil moisture levels frequently to be sure you are providing the correct amount of water for your plant.

Indian Pink needs full sun to partial shade in order to reach its full potential. The plant begins to bloom once the weather starts to warm and more sunlight is available. While Indian Pink prefers full sun, it will also do well in partial shade. If too much shade is provided, fewer flowers will form.

Indian Pink does best in warm temperatures and prefers an average temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 - 24 degrees Celsius). It can tolerate temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit (32 - 37 degrees Celsius), but should be protected from any colder temperatures. In addition to paying close attention to temperature, Indian Pink should be protected from droughts and high winds.

Indian Pink prefers high humidity levels, which encourages the blooming of its vibrant flowers. To achieve the ideal humidity, an Indian Pink should be placed inside with a humidifier or outside with a mist but only during the summer months. For indoor plants in drier winter climates, an occasional misting with distilled or filtered water can be beneficial.

Indian Pink prefers a soil that has few chemicals, such as a peat or coco coir-based potting mix or a mix of peat and sand. The soil should be lightly acidic, as a pH of 5-6.5 is ideal. To provide the best drainage and aeration for the plant, add organic matter such as mushroom compost or perlite to the mix.

Fertilizer should be applied monthly to Indian Pink when it is actively growing in the spring and summer months. This can be done using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Make sure to follow the directions on the label to ensure optimal results and avoid plant burn. Be sure to stop fertilizing one month prior to the expected cold weather, as this will help the plant enter into its rest period.

Indian Pink's main pests are mites, aphids, and thrips. To get rid of mites, treat the plant generously with an insecticidal soap. To get rid of aphids, use a combination of neem oil and insecticidal soap. For thrips, use a Pyrethrin-based spray. All of these treatments should be done on a regular basis to ensure that the pests do not return.

Indian Pink should be repotted every two to three years, as it is considered a fast-growing plant. When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining soil and a one or two sizes larger pot. When repotting, make sure that the top of the root ball is even with the surface of the soil, but still slightly inset from the rim of the pot. It's also important to check the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot before you repot, as they may need to be cleared of any dirt or debris.

Pruning should be minimal with Indian Pink to ensure that it can reach its full size and bloom during the summer months. If needed, light pruning can be done at the end of the flowering season to tidy up the appearance of the plant. When pruning, it's important to ensure you don't cut below the leaf nodes, as this will do more damage than good.

Mulching around the root zone of Indian Pink helps to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Cinnammon, wood chips, oak leaves, and bark are all good options for mulching. Be sure to spread the mulch around the root zone but not directly up against the stem or root ball.

Indian Pink can easily be propagated through division or stem cuttings. When propagating through division, be sure to divide the rootball into several pieces and replant in separate containers. When propagating through stem cuttings, snip off a stem of the plant about 4-6 inches long, remove the lower leaves, dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant in a moist potting mix.

Indian Pink can become quite tall and can benefit from a support system such as a trellis or bamboo stake. Place the support near the root of the plant and use twine or raffia to secure the plant to the stake. If staking is not an option, make sure the plant is located in an area where it can lean against a wall or fence for support.

Indian Pink requires a period of rest in winter. This period should replicate the conditions of the outdoors and should provide cooler temperatures and less light. During this period of rest, watering should be reduced to once every two weeks, with no fertilizer being added until the warming temperatures of spring return.

Indian Pink is not considered toxic to pets, which makes it a great option for pet owners who want to add a bit of beauty to their garden.