Indian Aconite Plant Care
Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aconitum heterophyllum, also called atish/atis/patis/ativish/atvika, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Aconitum. It is used in Indian systems of traditional medicine including Ayurveda and called विषा or अतिविषा in Sanskrit.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Indian Aconite?
Water Indian Aconite every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Indian Aconite?
Indian Aconite (Aconitum heterophyllum) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Aconitum genus. Indian Aconite is also known as Himalayan Monkshood.
Indian Aconite displays an upright, clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Indian Aconite produces tall spikes of hooded, helmet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Indian Aconite?
Aconitum heterophyllum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Indian Aconite Need?
Indian Aconite thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Indian Aconite in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–1,000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Indian Aconite Prefer?
Aconitum heterophyllum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Indian Aconite prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Indian Aconite?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Indian Aconite to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Indian Aconite?
Feed Indian Aconite every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Indian Aconite?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Indian Aconite?
Indian Aconite can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to carmichael's monkshood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Indian Aconite Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Indian Aconite?
Indian Aconite is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Indian Aconite Need?
Indian Aconite grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Indian Aconite as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Indian Aconite is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aconitum genus — compare its care with other Aconitum species on PlantoScan.
Aconitum is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Indian Aconite copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Aconitum Species
Other Aconitum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aconitum heterophyllum Wall., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Ill. Bot. Himal. Mts. : 56, t. 13 (1834)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Indian Aconite is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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