Plant Care Jack in the Pulpit

Jack in the Pulpit

About Jack in the Pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit is a spring woodland wildflower usually growing 1-2' tall. It takes five years for the plant to flower. It is best grown in fertile, medium to wet soil in part shade to full shade. It needs constantly moist soil rich in organic matter. Roots contain calcium oxalate and are poisonous.

Taxonomy

Arisaema triphyllum
Arisaema
Araceae
Alismatales

Also known as

Jack-in-the-pulpit, Bog onion, Brown dragon, Indian turnip, American wake robin and Wild turnip

How to care for Jack in the Pulpit

💦 Water

How often to water your Jack in the Pulpit

Water needs for Jack in the Pulpit
0.5 cups
every 9

Jack in the Pulpit 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 Jack in the Pulpit

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Jack in the Pulpit in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Jack in the Pulpit: 3ft from a window
3ft or less from
a window

Jack in the Pulpit may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

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

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Jack in the Pulpit

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Jack in the Pulpit: 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 Jack in the Pulpit after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Jack in the Pulpit is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!

How to Grow Jack in the Pulpit →

Benefits of Growing Jack in the Pulpit →

Common Jack in the Pulpit Problems →

Outdoor Care Guide for Jack in the Pulpit →


💦 Water Needs

Jack in the Pulpit 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.

Jack in the Pulpit Water Frequency →

Jack in the Pulpit Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Jack in the Pulpit may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Jack in the Pulpit Light Requirements →

Jack in the Pulpit Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Jack in the Pulpit is not safe to consume. 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. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.


🪴 Soil

Jack in the Pulpit is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.

Best Soil Mix for Jack in the Pulpit →

Best Pots for Jack in the Pulpit →

When and How to Successfully Repot Jack in the Pulpit →

What Are Healthy Jack in the Pulpit Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Jack in the Pulpit grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Jack in the Pulpit →


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Jack in the Pulpit grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Jack in the Pulpit Lifecycle →

Jack in the Pulpit Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Jack in the Pulpit →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors
🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Jack in the Pulpit can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

How to Propagate Jack in the Pulpit →


🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Jack in the Pulpit, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 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 Jack in the Pulpit

Jack in the Pulpit

Jack in the Pulpit


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 3ft 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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