Hen's Eyes (Ardisia crenata)

Hen's Eyes (Ardisia crenata) is a compact evergreen shrub producing glossy foliage and clusters of bright red berries, often used as an ornamental houseplant or in shaded

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Bright, Indirect Light

Watering

Consistent Moisture

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Average Home Temperatures

Fertilizer

Light Feeding

Care Requirements

Light

Bright, Indirect Light

Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer berries.

Watering

Consistent Moisture

Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Average Home Temperatures

Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Fertilizer

Light Feeding

Fertilize monthly during growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer. Skip in winter.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Pot, Garden

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

1-2 m

Spread

1-2 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Size

1 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

1500

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Dec

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jan

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Bladhia crenata (Sims) H.Hara

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderEricales
familyPrimulaceae
genusArdisia
speciesArdisia crenata

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

None

Additional Care Tips

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid soggy conditions, which can harm the plant.

Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems. Light pruning can be done at any time, but heavier pruning is best in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This promotes a more compact and attractive plant.

Propagate from seeds, which require stratification and patience. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in summer. Rooting can be slow. For best results, use a well-draining potting mix and maintain consistent moisture and warmth for seed germination or cutting establishment.

Repot your Ardisia crenata every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Repotting is best done in spring before the active growing season begins.

FAQs

What are the light requirements for Ardisia crenata?

Ardisia crenata prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some shade but may flower and fruit less prolifically in very low light conditions.

How often should I water Hen's Eyes?

Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Does Ardisia crenata need special soil?

A well-draining potting mix is ideal. A mix for houseplants or a blend of peat moss, perlite, and loam is suitable.

When does Ardisia crenata bloom and produce berries?

It typically flowers in summer with small white to pinkish flowers, followed by the development of bright red berries that mature in fall and can persist through winter.

Is Ardisia crenata toxic to pets?

Ardisia crenata berries are considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset. It is advisable to keep it out of reach of curious animals.

Care Requirements

Light

Bright, Indirect Light

Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer berries.

Watering

Consistent Moisture

Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Average Home Temperatures

Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Fertilizer

Light Feeding

Fertilize monthly during growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer. Skip in winter.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs