Photo: Pieter PelserCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Plantain Indian Plantain Plant Care
Arnoglossum plantagineum Raf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Arnoglossum plantagineum also known as tuberous Indian-plantain, groovestem Indian plantain or Prairie Indian plantain, is a North American species of Arnoglossum in the sunflower family. The Latin specific epithet plantagineum refers to the leaves of the plant which are similar to those of a plantain.
Every 4–7 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Plantain Indian Plantain?
Water Plantain Indian Plantain every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Plantain Indian Plantain?
Plantain Indian Plantain (Arnoglossum plantagineum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Arnoglossum genus. Plantain Indian Plantain is also known as Indian Plantain, Cacalia tuberosa, Cacalia pteranthes.
Plantain Indian Plantain displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Plantain Indian Plantain produces small white or pink composite flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Plantain Indian Plantain?
Arnoglossum plantagineum requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Plantain Indian Plantain Need?
Plantain Indian Plantain thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Plantain Indian Plantain in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Plantain Indian Plantain Prefer?
Arnoglossum plantagineum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Plantain Indian Plantain prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Plantain Indian Plantain?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Plantain Indian Plantain to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Plantain Indian Plantain?
Feed Plantain Indian Plantain 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 Plantain Indian Plantain?
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 Plantain Indian Plantain?
Plantain Indian Plantain can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pale indian plantain plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Plantain Indian Plantain Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Plantain Indian Plantain, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Plantain Indian Plantain?
Plantain Indian Plantain is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 Plantain Indian Plantain Need?
Plantain Indian Plantain grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Plantain Indian Plantain as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Plantain Indian Plantain 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 Arnoglossum genus — compare its care with other Arnoglossum species on PlantoScan.
Arnoglossum is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Plantain Indian Plantain copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Arnoglossum Species
Other Arnoglossum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Arnoglossum plantagineum Raf., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Ludov. : 65 (1817)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Plantain Indian Plantain, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Pieter Pelser, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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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