Carolina Redroot Plant Care
Lachnanthes caroliniana (Lam.) Dandy
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lachnanthes is a genus of monocotyledonous plants in the bloodwort family containing only one species, i.e., Lachnanthes caroliana (caroliniana), commonly known as Carolina redroot or bloodroot. The plant is native to eastern North America, from southeastern Nova Scotia and Massachusetts in the north, south to Florida and Cuba, and west along the Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Carolina Redroot?
Water Carolina Redroot 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Carolina Redroot Native To?
What Is the Carolina Redroot?
Carolina Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana) belongs to the Haemodoraceae family within the Lachnanthes genus. Carolina Redroot is native to eastern North America, from southeastern Nova Scotia and Massachusetts in the north, south to Florida and Cuba, and west along the Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana. Carolina Redroot is also known as Redroot.
Carolina Redroot displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Carolina Redroot produces small red or white flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Carolina Redroot?
Lachnanthes caroliniana 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 Carolina Redroot Need?
Carolina Redroot thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Carolina Redroot Prefer?
Lachnanthes caroliniana grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Carolina Redroot prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Carolina Redroot?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Carolina Redroot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Carolina Redroot?
Feed Carolina Redroot 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 Carolina Redroot?
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 Carolina Redroot?
Carolina Redroot can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.
Is the Carolina Redroot Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Carolina Redroot, 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 Carolina Redroot?
Carolina Redroot is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Carolina Redroot Need?
Carolina Redroot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Carolina Redroot is native to eastern North America, from southeastern Nova Scotia and Massachusetts in the north, south to Florida and Cuba, and west along the Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana. In cooler regions, grow Carolina Redroot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Carolina Redroot 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 Lachnanthes genus — compare its care with other Lachnanthes species on PlantoScan.
Lachnanthes is part of the Haemodoraceae plant family — browse all Haemodoraceae genera and species.
Carolina Redroot 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: Lachnanthes caroliniana (Lam.) Dandy, family Haemodoraceae (first published in J. Bot. 70: 329 (1932)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Carolina Redroot, 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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