Carnation(Dianthus caryophyllus)

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Also known as: Mini carmation

The peony (Paeonia) is a herbaceous ornamental perennial celebrated for its lush, fragrant flowers. Native varieties can be found across Asia, Europe, and Western North America. The peony carries significant cultural symbolism, often representing prosperity, honor, and romance in various cultures around the world.

Attributes of Carnation

Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
40 cm to 90 cm
Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green Blue Gray
Flower Size
3 cm to 6 cm
Flower Color
Pink White Purple Yellow Red

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Images of Carnation

Carnation(Dianthus caryophyllus)
Carnation(Dianthus caryophyllus)
Carnation(Dianthus caryophyllus)
Carnation(Dianthus caryophyllus)

Quickly Identify Carnation

1
Upright stems with frilled blooms in various colors.
2
Slender, strap-like leaves up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
3
Branching stems with conspicuous swollen nodes.
4
Grey-green to blue-green foliage in pairs at nodes.
5
Flowers with petaloid stamens, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) wide.

Scientific Classification of Carnation

Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Pink
Genus
Dianthus
Species
Carnation

Planting and Growing of Carnation

Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 4 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-6 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-70℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic

water icon How to Water Carnation?

Dianthus caryophyllus requires a well-balanced watering schedule. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. The goal is to wet the root zone thoroughly, which usually takes about 250ml of water per session. This allows the roots to absorb water adequately without oversaturation.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Carnation?
What should I do if my Carnation is not getting enough water?
What are the symptoms of an overwatered Carnation?
How to save an overwatered Carnation?
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sunlight icon What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Carnation?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun
Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours
Dianthus caryophyllus thrives with full to partial sun exposure. Ideal light results in flourishing growth, robust stems, and vivid blooms, enhancing both beauty and plant vitality.
What is the ideal light for Dianthus caryophyllus?
How can I achieve ideal lighting for this plant?
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temperature icon What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Carnation?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉
Dianthus caryophyllus thrives best within a temperature range of 60 to 70°F. This range provides the ideal conditions for the plant to photosynthesize efficiently and produce vibrant blooms. Outside of this range, growth may slow down and flowering might become less prolific.

soil icon What Soil is Best for Carnation?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam
Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5
Dianthus caryophyllus thrives best in well-drained soil, as it prevents waterlogging and root decay. Achieving the right drainage provides the plant with a stable growth environment, which promotes vibrant blooms and strong root development. A nutrient-rich soil enhances the growth of Dianthus caryophyllus by providing essential minerals and nutrients needed for its intense floral displays. This nutrient abundance results in healthier and more resilient plants. While rich in nutrients, the soil should maintain moderate fertility to prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth with reduced blooms. Catered fertility ensures a balanced, steady growth rate for optimal flowering. More About Soil

fertilize icon How to Fertilize Carnation?

Fertilizer type: Balanced
For Dianthus caryophyllus, it's best to use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Apply about 100-150 ml per plant each time to ensure they get the nutrients they need without overwhelming the roots. More About Fertilizing Techniques

prune icon How to Prune Carnation?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Start by sterilizing your pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. Begin pruning as soon as blooming is over by cutting spent flowers and deadhead blooms at the base of the flower stalk. Trim stems back by around a third to encourage a compact and bushy shape. Always make clean cuts just above a node or a set of leaves to promote new growth. Be careful to avoid cutting into the woody base. Every three years, consider performing a rejuvenating prune by cutting back the plant to about half its size. This will help to revitalize an older plant, encourage vigorous new growth, and improve its overall appearance. However, ensure not to cut into the thick, woody stems, as this may harm the plant. More About Pruning Techniques

propagate icon How to Propagate Carnation plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early summer
1
Select healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings that are about 4-6 inches long. Ensure that the stems have at least a few sets of leaves, but remove the lower ones to promote rooting.
2
Prepare a well-draining growing medium such as a mix of peat and perlite, which provides space for root growth and prevents waterlogging that could lead to rot.
3
Insert the prepared cuttings into the growing medium about one inch deep after dipping them in rooting hormone. Ensure they are securely upright and evenly spaced.
More About Propagating Techniques

repot icon How to Repot Carnation plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years
1
Repotting of Dianthus caryophyllus is best done when you notice the roots starting to circle the pot or protrude from drainage holes. Other indicators include reduced flowering and soil that dries out too quickly after watering.
2
Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This prevents root rot and provides space for root growth, supporting a healthier plant.
3
Choose a well-draining potting mix to ensure the roots of your Dianthus caryophyllus are not waterlogged. A mix that's too dense can hinder proper drainage, leading to root rot and plant distress.
More About Repotting Techniques

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Toxicity of Carnation

Is Carnation toxic to cat?

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) poses a mild toxicity risk to cats due to the presence of harmful substances in its stems, leaves, and flower petals. Although eating parts of the plant can lead to diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress, there are no recorded cases of fatal outcomes from such ingestion. Nonetheless, any cases of poisoning should be treated with caution, and it is important to consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Is Carnation toxic to dog?

Consuming any portion of the carnation plant may lead to a mild reaction in your dog, which generally includes diarrhea and potentially redness in the mucous membranes. The severity of these symptoms is contingent upon the quantity ingested by the dog. It’s advisable to keep these common flowers out of reach from your pets.

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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.
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