The “scandal plant” captures attention with its striking appearance and intriguing name. Known for its vigorous growth, it presents both a challenge and a reward for cultivators. Understanding its unique characteristics and care requirements is key to successfully integrating it into a home or garden. This article explores the specifics of this fascinating plant, from its botanical identity to its practical management.
Identifying the Scandal Plant
The “scandal plant” is scientifically known as Callisia fragrans, also called Basket Plant, Inch Plant, or Octopus Plant, among others. This herbaceous perennial has a sprawling, creeping growth habit. Its elliptic, pointed leaves, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide, often grow in rosette-like clusters along stems up to 35 inches (90 cm) long. While usually glossy green, leaves can develop a reddish-purple hue in strong light. Small, fragrant white flowers cluster on slender stalks, typically appearing from late winter to spring.
Why It’s Called “Scandal Plant”
The nickname “scandal plant” primarily stems from its rapid, aggressive growth habit. It spreads vigorously, sending out long runners or stolons that easily root wherever they touch the soil. This allows it to rapidly expand its territory, sometimes overwhelming other plants. Outdoors, it can form a dense, spreading groundcover that may be perceived as unruly.
Beyond its growth, the “scandal” also connects to its historical association with traditional and folk medicinal claims. Referenced in folklore for purported uses from treating burns and skin diseases to arthritis, some sources also attribute antibiotic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties to it. These unproven claims may have contributed to its controversial reputation.
Scandal Plant Care Guide
Providing the right conditions helps the scandal plant thrive. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some partial shade. For best leaf coloration, including purplish hues, aim for at least three to four hours of direct sunlight daily. Water thoroughly when the topsoil feels slightly dry, ensuring the soil is well-moistened but avoiding standing water to prevent root issues. Reduce watering during dormant winter months.
The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix, such as gritty loam or a peat-based potting mix, often benefiting from added perlite or sand for drainage. It thrives in average household temperatures, ideally above 70°F (21°C), and benefits from a cooler resting period of 50-61°F (10-16°C) in winter. While not demanding high humidity, occasional misting is appreciated. Fertilize every two weeks during the active growing season in spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce or cease fertilization in winter.
Managing Its Sprawling Growth
Managing the scandal plant’s sprawling growth is important for maintaining its appearance and preventing it from overtaking space. Regular pruning controls its size and encourages a more compact, bushier form. Simply trim the tips of stems just before a leaf node. Removing dead or yellowing leaves also contributes to the plant’s health and aesthetic.
Using hanging baskets or placing the plant in elevated positions can effectively contain its trailing stems, allowing them to cascade gracefully without spreading onto other surfaces or plants. Given its fast growth rate, annual repotting, ideally in spring, is necessary to provide ample room for root development and continued vigor. Strategic placement in a garden, where its spreading habit can be appreciated as a groundcover, is also an option in suitable climates.
Considerations and Uses
When cultivating the scandal plant, be aware of its interaction with pets. While generally regarded as non-toxic to humans and animals, the plant’s sap has been reported to cause mild skin irritation or contact dermatitis in some dogs. Always keep plants out of reach of curious pets and small children.
Beyond its ornamental value, the plant holds a place in various cultural histories due to its traditional uses. These traditional applications, while not scientifically validated, highlight the plant’s long-standing presence in human culture.