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5.0 out of 5 (1 experiences)


Also known as
American Pokeweed, Pokeweed, American pokeweed, Poke sallet and Poke salad
Taxonomy
Phytolacca americana
Phytolacca
Phytolaccaceae
Caryophyllales

How to care for American Pokeweed

How often to water your American Pokeweed

every 9
American Pokeweed 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.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for American Pokeweed in your home

a window
American Pokeweed love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
American Pokeweed does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of American Pokeweed in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize American Pokeweed

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 American Pokeweed after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

American Pokeweed is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
American Pokeweed 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.
Sunlight Needs
American Pokeweed 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 🏡.
Toxicity
American Pokeweed 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. American Pokeweed is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.
Soil
American Pokeweed 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.
Fertilizer
American Pokeweed is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
Growth Pattern
American Pokeweed grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
American Pokeweed can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-8b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
American Pokeweed 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
Care Summary for American Pokeweed
American Pokeweed
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say



