
Photo: GERMAN LEONEL SARMIENTO CRUZCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Rivinoides Pokeweed Plant Care
Phytolacca rivinoides Kunth & C.D.Bouché
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phytolacca rivinoides, also known as the red ink plant, is distinctive for its deep red stems and veins that contrast beautifully with its green leaves. This tropical plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique appearance and easy care requirements.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Plant Rivinoides Pokeweed in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10a–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). 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 Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Rivinoides Pokeweed (Phytolacca rivinoides) belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family within the Phytolacca genus. Rivinoides Pokeweed is native to Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay.
Rivinoides Pokeweed displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Rivinoides Pokeweed produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Water a young or newly planted Rivinoides Pokeweed every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Rivinoides Pokeweed Need?
Rivinoides Pokeweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rivinoides Pokeweed Prefer?
Phytolacca rivinoides tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Rivinoides Pokeweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Rivinoides Pokeweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Feed Rivinoides Pokeweed every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Rivinoides Pokeweed is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Rivinoides Pokeweed can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Prune Rivinoides Pokeweed while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Rivinoides Pokeweed in Winter?
Rivinoides Pokeweed is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Rivinoides Pokeweed can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Rivinoides Pokeweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets
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 Rivinoides Pokeweed?
Rivinoides Pokeweed 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 Rivinoides Pokeweed Need?
Rivinoides Pokeweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Rivinoides Pokeweed is native to Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Rivinoides Pokeweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Rivinoides Pokeweed 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 Phytolacca genus — compare its care with other Phytolacca species on PlantoScan.
Phytolacca is part of the Phytolaccaceae plant family — browse all Phytolaccaceae genera and species.
Rivinoides Pokeweed 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: Phytolacca rivinoides Kunth & C.D.Bouché, family Phytolaccaceae (first published in Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1848: 15 (1848)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Rivinoides Pokeweed 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.
- Photo: GERMAN LEONEL SARMIENTO CRUZ, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
