Bantala
Ardisia solanacea
Outdoor Plants Difficulty: Easy
📖 About this plant
Ardisia solanacea (mara-marsh ardisia or ‘Bantala’ in Odia) is a small evergreen shrub/tree of the Myrsinaceae family. The plant bears clusters of small white-pink flowers followed by red berries. Fruits are eaten by birds, making the plant valuable for wildlife gardens. The plant naturally grows in marshy areas and along stream banks.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
☀️
Light
Partial shade to full sun
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Water
Regular; keep moist
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Humidity
High
🌡️
Temperature
20-32°C
🪴
Soil
Well-draining loam rich in organic matter
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Fertilizer
Compost annually
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- India, Southeast Asia
- 📏 Max height
- 3-6 m
- 📐 Spread
- 2-4 m
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Spring (small white-pink flowers)
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White-pink
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Evergreen glossy dark green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- 20+ years
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- 🌱 Propagation
- Seeds, cuttings
🛡️ Health & Safety
🐾 Pet safe
✅ Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Common issues
- Leaf spot, scale insects
💡 Care tips
- Plant in partial shade with moist soil. Good for wildlife gardens.
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