Water
Water consistently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency.
Ensure good drainage to prevent issues.
Also known as Button Pokeweed · Red Inkplant
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Tropical Pokeweed (Phytolacca icosandra) is a vigorous, shrubby perennial reaching up to 3 meters, featuring large leaves and showy racemes of white flowers followed by d
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 18-25°C. Protect from frost.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release formula.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the roots and seeds. Contains saponins and phytolaccatoxin.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency.
Ensure good drainage to prevent issues.
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged stems. Pruning can be done after flowering to manage size and encourage bushier growth. Wear gloves as sap can be irritating.
Cut back leggy stems in late winter/early spring.
Propagate from seeds sown in autumn or early spring, or from root cuttings taken in winter. Seeds may require stratification. Cuttings should be placed in moist, well-draining soil.
Be patient, as germination can be slow.
Repot young plants annually or when root-bound. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current root ball.
Water thoroughly after repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Tropical Pokeweed (Phytolacca icosandra)
Where Tropical Pokeweed (Phytolacca icosandra) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Phytolaccaceae |
| Genus | Phytolacca |
| Species | Phytolacca icosandra |
Similar in genus Phytolacca
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data