
Photo: Forest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Indian Pluchea Plant Care
Pluchea indica Less.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pluchea indica is a species of flowering plant in the aster family, Asteraceae. Its common names include Indian camphorweed, Indian fleabane, and Indian pluchea. It is native to parts of Asia and Australia, and it is widespread in the Pacific Islands as an introduced and often invasive species.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Indian Pluchea?
Plant Indian Pluchea in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Indian Pluchea Native To?
What Is the Indian Pluchea?
Indian Pluchea (Pluchea indica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Pluchea genus. Indian Pluchea is native to parts of Asia and Australia, and. Indian Pluchea is also known as Indian Fleabane, Pluchea indica.
Indian Pluchea displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Indian Pluchea produces small white or pink clustered flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Indian Pluchea?
Water a young or newly planted Indian Pluchea 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 Indian Pluchea Need?
Indian Pluchea thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Indian Pluchea Prefer?
Pluchea indica tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Indian Pluchea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Indian Pluchea?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Indian Pluchea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Indian Pluchea?
Feed Indian Pluchea 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 Indian Pluchea?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Indian Pluchea is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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 Indian Pluchea?
Indian Pluchea 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 Indian Pluchea?
Prune Indian Pluchea 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 Indian Pluchea in Winter?
Indian Pluchea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 Indian Pluchea?
Indian Pluchea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sweetscent pluchea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Indian Pluchea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Indian Pluchea, 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 Indian Pluchea?
Indian Pluchea is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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 Indian Pluchea Need?
Indian Pluchea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Indian Pluchea is native to parts of Asia and Australia, and. In cooler regions, grow Indian Pluchea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Indian Pluchea 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 Pluchea genus — compare its care with other Pluchea species on PlantoScan.
Pluchea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Indian Pluchea 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: Pluchea indica Less., family Asteraceae (first published in Linnaea 6: 150 (1831)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Indian Pluchea, 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: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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.
