
Downy Gentian
About Downy Gentian
Downy Gentian is a super rare houseplant 🌿 that needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.
Downy Gentian likes soil that is well draining. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
Downy Gentian belongs to the Gentiana genus, and is native to Central North America.
Taxonomy
Gentiana puberulenta
Gentiana
Gentianaceae
Gentianales

How to care for Downy Gentian

How often to water your Downy Gentian

every 9
Downy Gentian 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 Downy Gentian in your home

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

How to fertilize Downy Gentian

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 Downy Gentian after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Downy Gentian 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
Downy Gentian 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
Downy Gentian 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
Downy Gentian 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
Downy Gentian grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Downy Gentian can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Downy Gentian
Downy Gentian
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.
