Spikenard Plant Care
Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nardostachys is a genus of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). Nardostachys jatamansi is the sole species in genus.
Partial shade to full shade
At a glance
How do you care for Spikenard?
Spikenard grows best in partial shade to full shade.
What Is the Spikenard?
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family within the Nardostachys genus. Spikenard is also known as Jatamansi, Indian Nard, Muskroot.
Spikenard displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spikenard produces small, inconspicuous flowers in terminal spikes.
What Light Does the Spikenard Need?
Spikenard thrives in partial shade to full shade. Avoid placing Spikenard in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spikenard?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Spikenard to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Spikenard?
Repot every 1-2 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 Spikenard?
Spikenard can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.
Is the Spikenard Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spikenard, 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 Spikenard?
Spikenard is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Spikenard 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 Nardostachys genus — compare its care with other Nardostachys species on PlantoScan.
Nardostachys is part of the Caprifoliaceae plant family — browse all Caprifoliaceae genera and species.
Spikenard copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC., family Caprifoliaceae (first published in Prodr. 4: 624 (1830)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spikenard, 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.
- 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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