Why Your Sindoor Plant Is Dying and What It Says Spiritually About Your Home
Vaibhav Kochar | Jul 17, 2025, 06:00 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Highlight of the story: The Sindoor plant holds cultural significance in Indian households. This guide provides simple steps to grow a healthy Sindoor plant. It emphasizes the importance of sunlight, proper soil mix, and wise watering techniques. Natural fertilizers and emotional connection are also key. Growing this plant is a way to protect a cultural legacy. Treat it with respect and it will flourish.
Some plants grow in soil,
But some… in sentiment.
The Sindoor plant, also known as Bixa Orellana or the Lipstick Tree, is one such plant that doesn’t just live, it belongs. Belongs to our culture, to our homes, and in many cases, to our memories. From being used in religious ceremonies to being admired for its unique red seeds, this plant holds a sacred emotional value, especially in Indian households.
But here’s the problem: people bring the Sindoor plant home with a lot of love… and then, unintentionally, it starts to dry, wilt, or die. Why? Because most people don’t know how to take care of it correctly.
This article is your complete guide to growing a healthy Sindoor plant at home, shared in the simplest way possible, with both science and soul.
Before talking about soil and sunlight, let’s talk about why this plant matters.
The Sindoor plant gives us the famous vermilion (sindoor), the red-orange powder used in Hindu rituals, especially in marriage ceremonies. Its seeds are crushed to produce a natural dye that’s been used in pujas, art, cooking, and tribal healing practices for centuries.
Growing it at home is not just gardening, it’s growing a living tradition.
When you plant it, do it with that intention. Place it where you can see it every morning as a reminder of strength, purity, and deep-rooted culture. The plant responds well to love, and you’ll notice it grows better when treated as part of the family.
The Sindoor plant is tropical by nature. It needs sunlight to thrive, but not harsh, burning sun.
Ideal sunlight conditions:
4 to 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight Morning sunlight is best; avoid strong afternoon rays Keep near a south-facing window or on your balcony with filtered lightIf you live in a colder region or a flat without much natural light, you can still grow it, just rotate it regularly, and avoid keeping it in the dark corners of your home.
Tip: During monsoons, keep it under a shaded roof or plastic sheet; too much rain can rot the roots.
If you want your Sindoor plant to grow tall, vibrant, and bloom fully, then the soil is everything.
Best soil mix:
50% garden soil 25% cocopeat or sand (for drainage) 25% compost or organic cow dung manure (for nutrition)It hates soggy roots. So always check that water drains easily through the pot.
Pro tip: Add small pieces of neem cake or dried banana peel powder every 30 days. This helps in giving natural strength and resistance to diseases.
Also, choose a medium to large pot if planting at home. The plant grows into a small tree, so don’t limit its growth with a tiny pot.
Many people either overwater or underwater the Sindoor plant. Both kill it slowly.
Here’s how to water it the right way:
Water only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry In the summer, water every 2–3 days In the winter, water once a week or less Avoid waterlogging. Always check for drainage holes in the pot Emotionally, think of it like this: You wouldn’t overfeed a child just because you love them. Plants are the same. They don’t need more, they need right.
Every 20–30 days, your Sindoor plant needs a boost, just like we need motivation in tough times.
Use natural or homemade fertilizers:
Buttermilk spray (once a month for leafy health) Banana peel water (for flowering and color) Neem oil spray (to protect from mealy bugs and fungus)If you’re using market fertilizers, go for organic NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) mixes once a month, but in very small quantities. Over-fertilizing can burn the roots.
Also, keep removing dead leaves and flowers regularly. This tells the plant that it’s being cared for and helps it grow fresh ones faster.
Here’s something not many people talk about: plants can sense emotion. Especially the ones that are grown in spiritual or cultural environments, like the Sindoor plant.
Many people say that after placing the Sindoor plant near their puja space or meditation corner, the leaves become shinier, the plant blooms more often, and it gives a calming vibe to the whole house.
Psychological benefits of growing Sindoor plant:
Brings a sense of grounding and connection to tradition Improves daily mindfulness, watering it becomes a ritual Creates a peaceful aura in the home Helps children connect with nature and culture at the same timeIt’s not just a plant. It’s a symbol of life that gives without asking, just like a mother or a temple priest offering sindoor during prayer.
When you grow a Sindoor plant, you’re not just gardening, you’re protecting a cultural legacy. In a time where artificial things are replacing the natural, and screens are replacing soil, the act of growing a traditional Indian plant becomes almost revolutionary.
Treat it like a blessing and it will bless you back.
Let it be your morning prayer.
Let it be your reminder of strength and softness together.
Let it be your slow-growing proof that nature, when respected, returns love.
May your Sindoor plant grow with beauty, health, and heritage.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Can the Sindoor plant grow indoors without natural sunlight?
Yes, but it needs bright artificial grow lights for proper health.How long does it take for a Sindoor plant to produce seeds?
Typically, it takes 1–2 years under good care to flower and seed.Is the Sindoor plant safe for pets and children?
The plant is generally safe, but seeds should not be consumed directly.Can Sindoor plant be grown from seeds or only saplings?
It can be grown from both, but saplings grow faster than seeds.
But some… in sentiment.
The Sindoor plant, also known as Bixa Orellana or the Lipstick Tree, is one such plant that doesn’t just live, it belongs. Belongs to our culture, to our homes, and in many cases, to our memories. From being used in religious ceremonies to being admired for its unique red seeds, this plant holds a sacred emotional value, especially in Indian households.
But here’s the problem: people bring the Sindoor plant home with a lot of love… and then, unintentionally, it starts to dry, wilt, or die. Why? Because most people don’t know how to take care of it correctly.
This article is your complete guide to growing a healthy Sindoor plant at home, shared in the simplest way possible, with both science and soul.
1. Understand the Emotional and Cultural Importance First
Young plant
( Image credit : Freepik )
Before talking about soil and sunlight, let’s talk about why this plant matters.
The Sindoor plant gives us the famous vermilion (sindoor), the red-orange powder used in Hindu rituals, especially in marriage ceremonies. Its seeds are crushed to produce a natural dye that’s been used in pujas, art, cooking, and tribal healing practices for centuries.
Growing it at home is not just gardening, it’s growing a living tradition.
When you plant it, do it with that intention. Place it where you can see it every morning as a reminder of strength, purity, and deep-rooted culture. The plant responds well to love, and you’ll notice it grows better when treated as part of the family.
2. Sunlight and Location: Let It Soak In Nature
Sun-bathing a plant
( Image credit : Freepik )
The Sindoor plant is tropical by nature. It needs sunlight to thrive, but not harsh, burning sun.
Ideal sunlight conditions:
4 to 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight Morning sunlight is best; avoid strong afternoon rays Keep near a south-facing window or on your balcony with filtered lightIf you live in a colder region or a flat without much natural light, you can still grow it, just rotate it regularly, and avoid keeping it in the dark corners of your home.
Tip: During monsoons, keep it under a shaded roof or plastic sheet; too much rain can rot the roots.
3. Soil Secrets: The Real Foundation of Health
Plant in soil
( Image credit : Pixabay )
If you want your Sindoor plant to grow tall, vibrant, and bloom fully, then the soil is everything.
Best soil mix:
50% garden soil 25% cocopeat or sand (for drainage) 25% compost or organic cow dung manure (for nutrition)It hates soggy roots. So always check that water drains easily through the pot.
Pro tip: Add small pieces of neem cake or dried banana peel powder every 30 days. This helps in giving natural strength and resistance to diseases.
Also, choose a medium to large pot if planting at home. The plant grows into a small tree, so don’t limit its growth with a tiny pot.
4. Watering Wisely: Not Too Little, Not Too Much
Water conciously
( Image credit : Pixabay )
Many people either overwater or underwater the Sindoor plant. Both kill it slowly.
Here’s how to water it the right way:
Water only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry In the summer, water every 2–3 days In the winter, water once a week or less Avoid waterlogging. Always check for drainage holes in the pot Emotionally, think of it like this: You wouldn’t overfeed a child just because you love them. Plants are the same. They don’t need more, they need right.
5. Fertilizers and Natural Boosters: Keep the Energy Alive
Natural boosters
( Image credit : Freepik )
Every 20–30 days, your Sindoor plant needs a boost, just like we need motivation in tough times.
Use natural or homemade fertilizers:
Buttermilk spray (once a month for leafy health) Banana peel water (for flowering and color) Neem oil spray (to protect from mealy bugs and fungus)If you’re using market fertilizers, go for organic NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) mixes once a month, but in very small quantities. Over-fertilizing can burn the roots.
Also, keep removing dead leaves and flowers regularly. This tells the plant that it’s being cared for and helps it grow fresh ones faster.
6. Emotional Connection and Psychological Benefits
Connection with plant
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Here’s something not many people talk about: plants can sense emotion. Especially the ones that are grown in spiritual or cultural environments, like the Sindoor plant.
Many people say that after placing the Sindoor plant near their puja space or meditation corner, the leaves become shinier, the plant blooms more often, and it gives a calming vibe to the whole house.
Psychological benefits of growing Sindoor plant:
Brings a sense of grounding and connection to tradition Improves daily mindfulness, watering it becomes a ritual Creates a peaceful aura in the home Helps children connect with nature and culture at the same timeIt’s not just a plant. It’s a symbol of life that gives without asking, just like a mother or a temple priest offering sindoor during prayer.
It’s a Legacy, Not Just a Leaf
Sindoor leaf
( Image credit : Pixabay )
When you grow a Sindoor plant, you’re not just gardening, you’re protecting a cultural legacy. In a time where artificial things are replacing the natural, and screens are replacing soil, the act of growing a traditional Indian plant becomes almost revolutionary.
Treat it like a blessing and it will bless you back.
Let it be your morning prayer.
Let it be your reminder of strength and softness together.
Let it be your slow-growing proof that nature, when respected, returns love.
May your Sindoor plant grow with beauty, health, and heritage.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, but it needs bright artificial grow lights for proper health.How long does it take for a Sindoor plant to produce seeds?
Typically, it takes 1–2 years under good care to flower and seed.Is the Sindoor plant safe for pets and children?
The plant is generally safe, but seeds should not be consumed directly.Can Sindoor plant be grown from seeds or only saplings?
It can be grown from both, but saplings grow faster than seeds.