How to Care for an Indigo Plant
Indigo is a native plant of warmer climates in South Asia, the Mediterranean and Central America. Grown for the deep blue dye that comes from its leaves, it makes an attractive houseplant. Historically indigo dye was used to color fabric, including blue denim. Today synthetic blue dyes are used for large-scale textile production, although there is a return to using natural indigo for designer fabrics. Bring interest and diversity to your houseplant collection with the addition of an indigo plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place indigo plants in a windowsill where they will receive light throughout the day. Protect from drafts and temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Water the plant at least twice a week during its growing season from April through September. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
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Reduce watering volume and frequency from October through March. One time per week may be sufficient, depending on the temperature and humidity of your house. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between watering. Increase the frequency if the plant's leaves seem to droop.
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Transplant the indigo plant to a larger garden pot each spring. Increase the pot size two to three inches each year until you reach the maximum size of 18 to 20 inches, which is sufficient for a full-grown plant. Use fresh potting soil and cover the roots completely, keeping the leaves and stems completely above soil level.
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Fertilize the indigo plant lightly 1-3 months after transplanting. Use a high potassium fertilizer, such as tomato fertilizer.
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Prune the indigo plant in the summer. Cut off the stems that have produced flowers with sharp garden pruners. If you are using the leaves for indigo dye, use only established plants and prune lightly throughout the summer to collect the stems.
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Tips & Warnings
Indigo plants rarely attract pests, but check the leaves routinely and spray with horticultural soap to remove any scale or insects that appear.
Indigo plants may be started from seed in potting soil or rooted from softwood cuttings.
