Plant Care American Spikenard

American Spikenard

About American Spikenard

American Spikenard is a super rare houseplant 🌿 that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

American Spikenard likes soil that is well draining. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.

American Spikenard belongs to the Aralia genus, and is native to North America.

Taxonomy

Aralia racemosa
Aralia
Araliaceae
Apiales

Also known as

American spikenard, Small spikenard, Indian root, Spice berry, Spignet, Life-of-man and Petty morel

How to care for American Spikenard

💦 Water

How often to water your American Spikenard

Water needs for American Spikenard
0.5 cups
every 9

American Spikenard 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

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for American Spikenard in your home

Light needs and placement for plant American Spikenard: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

American Spikenard love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

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

American Spikenard does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

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

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize American Spikenard

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

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

American Spikenard is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!


💦 Water Needs

American Spikenard 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 Spikenard 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

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


🪴 Soil

American Spikenard 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!


💩 Fertilizer

American Spikenard 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!


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

American Spikenard will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
American Spikenard can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-8b. Find your local hardiness zone here.


🧐 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 American Spikenard

American Spikenard


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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