Also known as Alacrancillo · Eye Bright · Hatisur
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Indian Heliotrope (Heliotropium indicum) is an annual herb with a global distribution, known for its medicinal uses and hairy stems and leaves.
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. Can tolerate some afternoon shade in very hot climates.
Regular
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Loam, Sand, Clay
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost; it is not cold-hardy.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Indian Heliotrope regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering during cooler months when the plant's growth slows down to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage.
Prune Indian Heliotrope to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of young plants to promote branching. Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooming.
Prune back leggy stems in early spring before new growth begins.
Indian Heliotrope can be easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or from stem cuttings taken during the summer. Seeds can be sown indoors and transplanted outdoors after the last frost.
Cuttings should be rooted in moist potting mix or water.
Repot Indian Heliotrope annually in spring as needed, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Avoid overpotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Indian Heliotrope (Heliotropium indicum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Heliotropium |
| Species | Heliotropium indicum |
Similar in genus Heliotropium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
