Moluccella Laevis
About Moluccella Laevis
Semi-hardy annual is noted for producing a mid-summer to fall bloom of showy flower spikes. Calyces are densely packed along each flower spike from top to base. Plants perform best in cool summer climates. This is an excellent plant for fresh cut or dried flower arrangements.
Taxonomy
Moluccella laevis
Moluccella
Lamiaceae
Lamiales
Also known as
Bells of ireland, Bells of ireland, Bells-of-ireland, Molucca balmis, Shellflower and Shell flower

How to care for Moluccella Laevis

How often to water your Moluccella Laevis

every 9
Moluccella Laevis 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 Bells of ireland in your home

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

How to fertilize Moluccella Laevis

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 Moluccella Laevis after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Moluccella Laevis is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Moluccella Laevis 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
Moluccella Laevis 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
Moluccella Laevis 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
Moluccella Laevis 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
Moluccella Laevis grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Moluccella Laevis can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 2a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of Moluccella Laevis can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for Moluccella Laevis
Moluccella Laevis
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.
