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Add to My Garden Tropical Pokeweed
Phytolacca icosandra
Tropical Pokeweed (Phytolacca icosandra) grows up to 3 m tall. It produces a flower stalk full of white to pink blossoms from summer to winter. Black berries follow blooming. This plant is considered invasive in the United States.
9 to 11
Hardiness Zones
More Info
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
Red
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Pokeweed Genus
Pokeweeds Species
Tropical Pokeweed 
Distribution Map
Habitat
Waste areas, Roadsides, Crops, Gardens, Pastures, Forest margins, Woodlands
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Questions About Tropical Pokeweed
Temperature What is the optimal temperature for Tropical Pokeweed?
For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.
As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.
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Does Tropical Pokeweed require different temperatures for different growing phases?
While Tropical Pokeweed doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.
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Does Tropical Pokeweed need different temperatures for different seasons?
Tropical Pokeweed does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.
Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.
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What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Tropical Pokeweed healthy?
Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months
If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.
Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat
You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.
Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs
Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.
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What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Tropical Pokeweed?
The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Tropical Pokeweed is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.
If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.
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About
More Info
Distribution
Care FAQ
Related Plants
Related Articles
Add to My Garden Tropical Pokeweed
Phytolacca icosandra
9 to 11
Hardiness Zones
More Info
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
Red
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Pokeweed Genus
Pokeweeds Species
Tropical Pokeweed Distribution Map
Habitat
Waste areas, Roadsides, Crops, Gardens, Pastures, Forest margins, Woodlands
Map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Questions About Tropical Pokeweed
Temperature What is the optimal temperature for Tropical Pokeweed?
Free
Does Tropical Pokeweed require different temperatures for different growing phases?
Free
Does Tropical Pokeweed need different temperatures for different seasons?
What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Tropical Pokeweed healthy?
What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Tropical Pokeweed?
Show More ![more]()
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
Let us help take all the guesswork out of your gardening.
More Questions People Also Ask
Related Plants
Related Articles
Most Common Herb
# Useful Tips
Best Perennial Plant to Grow
# Useful Tips
Best Perennial Plant to Grow
# Useful Tips
Most Common Herb
# Useful Tips
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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