Plant Care Indian Hemp

Indian Hemp

About Indian Hemp

Indian Hemp is a bushy member of the dogbane family that may grow to 5 feet tall. All parts of this plant exude a milky juice when bruised and all plant parts are considered highly toxic to humans and mammals. This plant typically grows in the wild in dry rocky or open woods, glades and prairies. Stems are fibrous and were important to Indigenous communities for making rope products.

Taxonomy

Apocynum cannabinum
Apocynum
Apocynaceae
Gentianales

Also known as

Dogbane, Amy root, Hemp dogbane, Prairie dogbane, Rheumatism root and Wild cotton

How to care for Indian Hemp

💦 Water

How often to water your Indian Hemp

Water needs for Indian Hemp
0.5 cups
every 9

Indian Hemp needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Indian Hemp

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Indian Hemp in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Indian Hemp: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Indian Hemp love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Indian Hemp does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Indian Hemp in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Indian Hemp

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Indian Hemp: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Indian Hemp after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Indian Hemp can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!

Benefits of Growing Indian Hemp →

Common Indian Hemp Problems →


💦 Water Needs

Indian Hemp prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Indian Hemp Water Frequency →

Indian Hemp Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Indian Hemp requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Indian Hemp Light Requirements →

Indian Hemp Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Indian Hemp is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Indian Hemp is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.


🪴 Soil

Indian Hemp does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Indian Hemp →

When and How to Successfully Repot Indian Hemp →

What Are Healthy Indian Hemp Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Indian Hemp should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Indian Hemp →


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Indian Hemp grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Indian Hemp Lifecycle →

Indian Hemp Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Indian Hemp →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Indian Hemp can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Indian Hemp Temperature Tolerance →

Indian Hemp Hardiness Zones →


🌱 Propagation

Indian Hemp can be propagated by division into new individual plants.

  • Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
  • If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
  • Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
  • Repot the parent plant back into its original pot

How to Propagate Indian Hemp →


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Indian Hemp

Indian Hemp

Indian Hemp


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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