Lobelia polyphylla Plant Care
Lobelia polyphylla Hook. & Arn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lobelia polyphylla, called the tabaco del Diablo, is a species of flowering plant in the family Campanulaceae, native to northern and central Chile. When smoked, it has narcotic and hallucinogenic effects.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lobelia polyphylla?
Water Lobelia polyphylla every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lobelia polyphylla Native To?
What Is the Lobelia polyphylla?
Lobelia polyphylla (Lobelia polyphylla) belongs to the Campanulaceae family within the Lobelia genus. Lobelia polyphylla is native to northern and central Chile.
Lobelia polyphylla displays a spreading, low-growing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Lobelia polyphylla produces tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lobelia polyphylla?
Lobelia polyphylla requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lobelia polyphylla Need?
Lobelia polyphylla thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lobelia polyphylla Prefer?
Lobelia polyphylla grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Lobelia polyphylla prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lobelia polyphylla?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lobelia polyphylla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lobelia polyphylla?
Feed Lobelia polyphylla 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 Lobelia polyphylla?
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 Lobelia polyphylla?
Lobelia polyphylla can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cardinal flower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lobelia polyphylla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lobelia polyphylla, 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 Lobelia polyphylla?
Lobelia polyphylla is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Lobelia polyphylla Need?
Lobelia polyphylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Lobelia polyphylla is native to northern and central Chile. In cooler regions, grow Lobelia polyphylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Lobelia polyphylla 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 Lobelia genus — compare its care with other Lobelia species on PlantoScan.
Lobelia is part of the Campanulaceae plant family — browse all Campanulaceae genera and species.
Lobelia polyphylla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lobelia Species
Other Lobelia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lobelia polyphylla Hook. & Arn., family Campanulaceae (first published in Bot. Beechey Voy. : 33 (1830)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lobelia polyphylla, 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 12a, 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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