
Cnicus
About Cnicus
Cnicus is a super rare houseplant šæ that needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light āļø and should be less than 1 foot from a window.
Cnicus likes soil that is well draining. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
Taxonomy
Centaurea benedicta
Centaurea
Asteraceae
Asterales
Also known as
Cnicus, Cnicus benedictus, St. Benedict's thistle, blessed thistle, holy thistle and spotted thistle

How to care for Cnicus

How often to water your Cnicus

every 9
Cnicus needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnāt 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 Cnicus in your home

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

How to fertilize Cnicus

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 itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Cnicus after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.

Cnicus 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
Cnicus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plantās toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, itās always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control atĀ US (800) 222-1222.Ā If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA atĀ US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
Cnicus 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
Cnicus 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 itās refreshed yearly, you shouldnāt need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Care Summary for Cnicus
Cnicus
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.
