Dianthus: Great flowering house plant with more than 300 species – Details and care tips
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Dianthus flowers are also known as “pinks,” belonging to a family of plants that includes carnations that have a distinguished spicy scent when they bloom. They are outdoor ornamental plants with pink color flowers.
Quick Details of Dianthus
| Other Common Names | Pink, dianthus |
| Type | Flowering ornamental outdoor plant. |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | May-October |
| Light | Bright direct light |
| Water | Regular watering |
| Temperature | Can survive the harsh climate |
| Soil | Any well-drained potting soil |
| Fertilizer | Any house plant fertilizer |
| Habitat | Europe, Asia |
| Toxicity | No |
| Common Diseases | Mostly resistant to diseases, can be affected by aphids. |
| Scientific name | Dianthus caryophyllus |
Dianthus Buying Instructions
- Plant should have multiple flower buds.
Overview of Dianthus
Dianthus is a flowering plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It consists of around 300 species, most of it belonging to Europe and Asia. Some species also grow in North Africa and one species is found in the arctic region of North America.
They are mostly herbaceous perennial plants some can be annuals and biennials as well. The leaves are narrow and present opposite one another. The flowers have five petals with zigzag margins and are mostly pink in color. D.kinappi has yellow color flowers.
Usage and Advantage of Dianthus
- Used as an ornamental plant.
- The petals are edible and are added to salads and sandwiches.
- D.chinensis is said to have antibacterial, diuretic properties and is used in the treatment of various diseases.
- It is also said to aid the urinary and digestive systems.
General Care for Dianthus
Soil: The plants prefer rich fertile well-drained soil for their growth. Fertilizer can be added just before the blooming season. Well-drained soil with proper air circulation helps in the growth of the plants.
Light: They require direct bright sunlight for proper growth. A minimum exposure of 6 hours to light is ideal for proper growth and blooming.
Watering: The plants can be watered ones in a week. Care should be taken to see that the soil is moist. Excess watering can be harmful to the plants.
Fertilizer: The fertilizer can be added during the time of planting and the plants can be fertilized every month using an all-purpose fertilizer.
Pruning: The wilted flowers can be pinched off to prevent the formation of seeds. The flower stems should be cut back once the blooming time gets over.
Pests and other problems for Dianthus
The new varieties are mostly resistant to diseases. However, if the plant is present under humid conditions it can wilt.
The plants are sometimes attacked by aphids and carnation flies. This can be reduced by hose spraying water or by spraying garlic or neem oil.
Propagation of Plant Name
Dianthus can be propagated by seeds or using stem cuttings.
The seeds can be sown indoor as well as outdoor. Sowing can be done almost near mid-winter.
For indoor sown plants the seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil and the soil is covered with the help of a plastic bag. This helps to keep the soil moist. Holes can be made in the plastic bag for the circulation of air. The seedling of a height of 4-5 inches can be later transplanted.
The seeds are sown outdoors and are covered by a layer of soil. The soil is watered enough to maintain the moisture.
Stem cutting can be done from the parts that are cut just below the leaf joint and which does not have any floral parts. The stem is cut with a minimum of 4 to 5 sets of leaves. The leaves from the bottom half are removed and the stem is dipped in rooting hormone. This is later planted directly in the ground or pots.
