Forked Skullcap Plant Care
Craniotome furcata (Link) Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Craniotome is a genus of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), first described in 1825. It contains only one known species, Craniotome furcata, native to Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan, Sikkim, Bhutan, Himalayas of northern + eastern India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Forked Skullcap?
Water Forked Skullcap every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Forked Skullcap Native To?
What Is the Forked Skullcap?
Forked Skullcap (Craniotome furcata) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Craniotome genus. Forked Skullcap is native to Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan, Sikkim, Bhutan, Himalayas of northern + eastern India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam.
Forked Skullcap displays a spreading herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Forked Skullcap produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Forked Skullcap?
Craniotome furcata 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 Forked Skullcap Need?
Forked Skullcap thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Forked Skullcap Prefer?
Craniotome furcata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Forked Skullcap prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Forked Skullcap?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Forked Skullcap to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Forked Skullcap?
Feed Forked Skullcap 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 Forked Skullcap?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Forked Skullcap?
Forked Skullcap can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division.
Is the Forked Skullcap Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Forked Skullcap, 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 Forked Skullcap?
Forked Skullcap is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Forked Skullcap Need?
Forked Skullcap grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Forked Skullcap is native to Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan, Sikkim, Bhutan, Himalayas of northern + eastern India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Forked Skullcap as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Forked Skullcap 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 Craniotome genus — compare its care with other Craniotome species on PlantoScan.
Craniotome is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Forked Skullcap thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Craniotome furcata (Link) Kuntze, family Lamiaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 516 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Forked Skullcap, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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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