Is Luoyang flower, China pink, the same as carnation? Toxicity and indoor cultivation flowering period

China pink, also known as Luoyang flower, Shizhu flower, etc., is a traditional famous flower in our country. Because of its diverse flower colors and its ability to absorb harmful gases such as chlorine and sulfur dioxide, many people like to keep it indoors. So is China pink the same as carnation? Is it toxic? How to grow it indoors? When does it bloom?

Is it carnation?

No. China pink is not only the name of a flower, but also the name of a family. Carnation belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. Of course, carnation is also called Xiangshizhu, but it is not China pink. Traditional China pink is a Chinese medicinal herb, and its medicinal name is Qumai. It is basically single-petaled, though the flower shape is still very beautiful.

Is it toxic?

It is not toxic and can even detoxify. China pink is cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant, but not tolerant of severe heat. In summer it often grows poorly or withers, so shading and cooling should be noted during cultivation. It likes sufficient sunlight, dry conditions, ventilation, and a cool, humid climate. It requires fertile, loose, well-drained loam or sandy loam containing lime, and it dislikes waterlogging but likes fertilizer.

Can it be kept indoors?

Yes. Although China pink is a small plant with small, pretty flowers, it has unexpected functions in the home.

1. It can absorb sulfur dioxide. There is a gardening saying: “Grass China pink has an iron belly and can clean up toxic gas.” China pink has the ability to absorb sulfur dioxide and chlorides. Wherever there are similar gases, China pink can be planted. Moreover, through the stomata on its leaves and roots, it can absorb substances harmful to the human body and convert these harmful substances into oxygen, sugar, and various amino acids.

2. It can kill pathogens. China pink has a faint fragrance and can produce volatile oils, which have a significant bactericidal effect. In particular, its fragrance has a clear inhibitory effect on the growth and reproduction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pneumococcus, and Staphylococcus. In addition, Xiangshizhu, that is, carnation, has especially notable effects of romantic aphrodisiac action, relieving tension, calming anger, and balancing hormones.

3. It can create a positive psychological effect in people. China pink comes in many colors. They are colorful yet not flashy, carrying a plain and pure feeling and reflecting the owner's taste in flowers. It can also increase the humidity of the air in a room, thereby reducing the probability of family members catching colds. When work pressure increases, it can relax people's mood, have a positive effect on the mind, and also make people feel comfortable.

Specific cultivation techniques:

1. Planting

China pink is generally planted at the end of August. Prepare the potting soil and apply sufficient base fertilizer. Use 5~6 seeds per pot (to avoid failure to sprout). After sowing, thin the seedlings when 1~2 leaves have grown. When 3~4 leaves have grown, they can be transplanted. When transplanting, space each plant about 5 apart, with 3 plants per pot, and water after planting.

2. Light and temperature requirements

The most suitable temperature for China pink growth is 15~20°C. In summer, when the temperature is higher, pay attention to appropriate shading and cooling. In winter, it should be placed in a greenhouse, keeping the temperature above 12°C.

During the growing period, ensure sufficient sunlight and place the flowerpot outdoors in full sunlight. In summer, mainly use scattered light and avoid direct sun exposure. When the temperature is higher, shade and cool it appropriately.

3. Water and fertilizer requirements

Watering should follow the principle of not watering until dry. For China pink sown in autumn, pay attention to frost prevention when watering in November~December. For indoor care, the water temperature should be close to room temperature. Watering should preferably be done at noon when the temperature is higher, and there should be no standing water on the leaves at night. In the second year in spring, water for greening up, with the same requirements as in winter. During the entire growing period, topdress 2~3 times using decomposed cake fertilizer or organic fertilizer.

4. Pruning

If you want China pink to bloom more, prune it in time. When the plant grows taller, pinch it to promote branching, and remove leaf buds in time to reduce nutrient loss. After pruning, China pink will bloom again.

Flowering time:

China pink is also called Chinese China pink, Luoyang China pink, Shiju, Xiuzhu, and Xiangshizhu. It is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Caryophyllaceae and genus Dianthus, and one of China's traditional famous flowers. It can bloom from spring to autumn, and potted plants in a greenhouse can bloom in all four seasons. The flowering period of China pink is April-October, concentrated in April-May. Therefore, China pink blooms in late spring and early summer and can continue blooming until autumn.