Mandragora caulescens
Images by part: leaf (0) · flower (0) · fruit (0) · bark (1) · habit (0) · other (0)

Mandragora caulescens

Himalayan mandrake

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
20–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–9
Click count
3
Observations
1

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Mandragora caulescens, the Himalayan mandrake, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Solanaceae, native to the Himalayas and mountainous regions of Myanmar and south-west China. One of the differences from the other species of Mandragora is that it has a stem, whereas they are stemless. Like all species of Mandragora, it contains tropane alkaloids, making it toxic. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The Himalayan mandrake is a hardy herbaceous plant that thrives in moderate moisture conditions but can withstand short periods of dryness. For optimal health, especially during the growing season, it's best to water it weekly. When grown outdoors, it requires adequate soil moisture to promote its growth and resilience.

☀️ Light Partial sun

Himalayan mandrake's origin is found in sites offering scattered light, like tropical forest understories or shaded rocky terrains. It is partial to sunlight but can also endure conditions of total shade.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–35°C

The Himalayan mandrake originates from severe Himalayan climates, and has become acclimatized to temperatures between 68 and 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). Those who want to cultivate it ought to mimic these conditions, modifying treatment based on seasonal temperature variations.

Ideal temperature: 20–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The optimal period to fertilize a Himalayan mandrake is during early spring as it breaks dormancy and enters a phase of vigorous growth. Nutrients delivered through fertilization play a significant role in ensuring its healthy development. Even though Himalayan mandrake's requirement for fertilization is comparatively less, providing it with nourishment on a yearly basis can improve its life span and lead to improved, more enduring blossoms.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Himalayan mandrake is a perennial herb known for its tuberous roots and unique rosette of leaves. To keep the plant healthy and looking its best, prune it from early to late spring. This will help remove dead foliage, improve airflow, and encourage healthy growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts, which will enhance both the appearance and health of the plant.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Mandragora
Family
Solanaceae
Hardiness Zone
9
Mature Height
20 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
5 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Purple, Lavender
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall

Tags (4)

Common Names (1)

en Himalayan mandrake