Ardisia, also known as Coral Berry, is a houseplant that produces red berries during summer season. Though flowers of this plant are inconspicuous still they add to its beauty and can be commonly found from the onset of the summer season. Both flowers as well as berries are part of the plant for several months at a stretch; it also gives answer to why Ardisia is known as an evergreen plant. Although it’s a slow growing plant still its height varies from 2-6 feet.
Appearance
It is called an evergreen plant and its leaves generally boast a glossy appearance along with a rigid texture. The color of flowers varies from white to light pink. The cluster of red berries can be seen hanging from the plant, which later becomes food for plants and other insects. The berries become quite showy after ripening completely.
Temperature
Since it’s a houseplant, so there is hardly difficulty for growing it in houses or greenhouse plants. They remain an evergreen plant unless forced to succumb by an extremely chilly climatic conditions. You can find huge cluster of this plant in areas where climatic conditions are such that Ardisia can resist winter. The plants are capable of re-seeding themselves quite easily, so all they need to multiply is favorable climate. You can take homegrown Ardisia outside the house during summer season but ensure to keep the plant away from drought.
Requirements
Ardisia loves deep rich soil having lots of organic matter but at the same time it is capable of blooming in any non-soggy soil. Creating mulch around the plant is good for its proper growth. Just like any other plant, Ardisia also needs sunlight but it can’t bear direct sunlight, as it can possibly dry it up, so if you wish to plant it outdoors, ensure to plant it under trees and make mulch around it for complete protection. It needs to be kept moist during summer season but avoid covering it up completely in water. During winter season, the water requirement of the plant reduces fairly. If you wish to do repotting or dividing of the plant, then it is advisable to finish off this task in spring season. As mentioned earlier that this plant grows slowly, so the seeds you plant would take approximately 18 months for becoming a full-grown plant with berries.
Summary
Ardisia has a stunning appearance, hardy body and clustered berries. It can flourish both indoors as well as outdoors. It has very less survival rate in chilly climatic condition. Mulching around the plant helps considerably in its growth. Although it’s an evergreen plant, placing it in drought prone area is not advisable. It has not been yet proved that its leaves or berries are poisonous still it is advisable to keep children away from the plant.