Southern pokeweed (Phytolacca bogotensis)

Also known as: South american pokeweed

Southern pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a robust perennial plant known for its thick, reddish-purple stems and sizable, alternate green leaves. The plant features clusters of small, white to greenish flowers that bloom in the summer and eventually form dark purple berries. It typically grows up to 10 feet tall.

This species is commonly found in disturbed soils such as fields, pastures, roadsides, and forest edges throughout the eastern United States. It adapts well to various environments, favoring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. Its resilient root system helps it survive across different seasons.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Southern pokeweed

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1.5 to 3 meters

Spread

1 to 2 meters

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

0.5 centimeters

Flower Color

White or greenish

Images of Southern pokeweed

Quickly Identify Southern pokeweed

Phytolacca bogotensis can be identified by its large, elliptical leaves, red to purple stems, and clusters of small white or greenish flowers that turn into dark purple or black berries. Look for the plant in disturbed soils or areas with partial shade.

Scientific Classification of Southern pokeweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Caryophyllales

Family

Pokeweed

Genus

Pokeweeds

Species

Southern pokeweed

Planting and Growing of Southern pokeweed

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Ceramic, Plastic

How to Water Southern pokeweed?

Phytolacca bogotensis should be watered until the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Typically, around 250 milliliters per watering is ideal, as this ensures the soil is adequately hydrated without drowning the roots.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Southern pokeweed? ›

What should I do if my Southern pokeweed is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Southern pokeweed? ›

How to save an overwatered Southern pokeweed? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Southern pokeweed?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Phytolacca bogotensis thrives best in environments offering full sun to partial sun. Ideal light exposure ensures it receives enough energy for robust growth and maintenance of its vibrant appearance.

What type of sunlight does Phytolacca bogotensis thrive in? ›

What is a solution for achieving ideal lighting for Phytolacca bogotensis? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting bring to Phytolacca bogotensis? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Southern pokeweed?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Phytolacca bogotensis thrives best within the temperature range of 60 to 75°F. This range provides optimal conditions for growth and development, ensuring the plant remains vigorous and healthy. Consistent temperatures within this range support ideal metabolic processes and photosynthesis rates, contributing to robust foliage and flowering. Maintaining conditions within this range helps prevent stress that could lead to stunted growth or increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

What Soil is Best for Southern pokeweed?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Phytolacca bogotensis thrives in nutrient-rich soil, which provides essential minerals and nutrients that support its robust growth. A well-fertilized loam enhances the plant's health by ensuring optimal energy production and cellular functions. This plant prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot and waterlogging. Proper drainage ensures that roots receive adequate oxygen, fostering healthy development and avoiding water-borne diseases. Phytolacca bogotensis benefits from soil that retains moderate moisture levels. Consistent but not excessive moisture helps in nutrient absorption, offering better results in terms of foliage vitality and flowering.

How to Fertilize Southern pokeweed?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Phytolacca bogotensis thrives with a balanced fertilizer mix. Use a general-purpose 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer. For liquid fertilizers, dilute half of the recommended concentration, applying approximately 200 ml around the base of the plant. The plant enjoys a nutrient-rich environment, helping it maintain its vibrant green foliage and robust health.

How to Prune Southern pokeweed?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

First, identify any dead or diseased branches and remove them using clean, sharp pruning shears. Then, thin out any crowded areas to improve air circulation, which can prevent fungal diseases. Finally, shape the plant by trimming overgrown branches to maintain a pleasing form. In early spring, perform a more extensive cutback to rejuvenate the plant if it has become overgrown or unruly. Cut back up to one-third of the oldest wood to encourage new growth from the base. This process revitalizes the plant, ensuring vibrant foliage and blooms. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Southern pokeweed plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early summer

Harvest ripe seeds from the berries of Phytolacca bogotensis. Ripe seeds usually have deep color and are easily separated from the pulp. Dry them before sowing to improve germination rates.

Select a healthy stem from the parent plant and make a clean cut below a node using sharp pruning shears. Trim lower leaves to reduce transpiration and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.

Plant seeds in a seed starting tray filled with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. For cuttings, insert them into a moist medium such as perlite or a soil-sand mixture, ensuring good contact with the soil.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Southern pokeweed plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Phytolacca bogotensis should be repotted when you notice roots poking out from the drainage holes or if the plant becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is during its active growth phases in spring and summer.

Select a pot slightly larger than the current one, ideally one inch wider in diameter. A pot with drainage holes is essential to prevent waterlogging, promoting healthy root development and reducing the risk of root rot.

Choose a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. This type of soil provides essential aeration and moisture retention, allowing the plant's roots to receive ample oxygen and nutrients.

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.