PLANTS ORDERED TODAY WILL BEGIN SHIPPING LATE SEPTEMBER, 2023
Dream Root, Xhosa (Silene capensis) plant, organic
$9.50
Family: Pink (Caryophyllaceae)
Hardy to zones 7 to 12
(Xhosa Dream Root, White Ways, White Path, African Dream Root, African Dream Herb, Syn. Silene undulata) Low-growing herbaceous perennial 1 to 2 feet tall, native to the cape of South Africa. Softly spreading leafy rosette produces multiple stalks crowned by the pure white flower. Unlike other members of the Silene genus, the calyx is elongated and not particularly inflated. The plant is easy to grow as a wayside attraction, spreads healthily but not invasively, producing many handsome flowers that smell excellently of jasmine and clove. Traditional usage: The Xhosa people of South Africa use the plant to stimulate dreaming during shamanic episodes. Space plants 6 inches to a foot apart.
Potted plant, certified organically grown.
In stock
Question
Simone Austin (verified owner) –
I just got my plant and looking at what kind of soil and NPK it may enjoy? I’ll be growing it mostly outside in a pot till about September . I live in zone 7b. Thanks in advance !
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Richo Cech –
Hello Simone, you’re in luck, just wrote the overview for xhosa in vol 2 and I quote ” The plant prefers sun to part shade and a fast-draining, fertile, dryish soil of pH 6.1 to 7.8. The plant requires regular watering for germination and early growth, becoming drought tolerant with the development of the taproot. Flowers appear in the first year and ongoing.”
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Question
jasperdshide –
Is flowering a function of age and/or size for this plant? Mine are a few months old and have begun to throw out lots of new “heads” but as of yet no flowering stalks.
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Richo Cech –
spring planted outdoor plants flower by midsummer. indoors growers may see flowering at odd times. sounds like your plants are moving in that direction. r
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Kelly (verified owner) –
So excited to see how this grows in my garden! I received the plant within 2 days of shipping (I live in Springfield, TN) and was impressed with how well it was packaged – nestled safely inside the box! I have it in my window for now and look forward to transplanting it into a larger pot at a later date. This is the first time I’ve bought a live plant from Strictly Medicinal Seeds (I’ve only previously bought seeds from this wonderful company) and will definitely consider buying more live plants in the near future!
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Alpa –
I live in MN, is it a plant that can grow inside?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Yes, I’ve had them inside before. They tend to get leggy but they do OK. r
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bev.pirt –
Also live in Springfield, TN. Did it ever make it in the ground? If so, how well did it overwinter? Thank you.
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Shannon Outlaw (verified owner) –
Hello! I am interested in buyinf this plant. Ive grown these plants before.
I wanted to ask, have you been growing them for long under specific conditions?
What does it mean if the leaves slowly start to wither from the tips until the plant dies? I always had this problem with african dream root…I dont understand it. Im an experienced grower so its alittle weird.
How did you get yours to grow in great condition and stay alive?
And ideas on what the problem is if they start to do that?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Shannon, Oh, we’ve had them in a variety of conditions for many years. Like many perennials, Silene capensis can get tired in pots after a year or two. I think this is what you’re seeing. When that happens, it is best to cut back the leaves to the crown and transplant to the out-of-doors. That sometimes resets them. Richo
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Nora (verified owner) –
Hello, my live plants just arrived. What are max/min temps for Silene capensis? I live in Dallas/Ft Worth, TX. Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
they will be outdoor hardy in dalls/ft worth all year long
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Rodolfo –
It is possible to use dream root leaves in a tea? any effect?
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Richo Cech –
my experience is that the leaves are similar to the root, and tea making is pretty standard. r
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