Grow Spilanthes Plant Easily With Expert Tips And Advice

Growing Spilanthes: The Buzzing Plant Your Garden Needs

Have you ever heard of Spilanthes? This quirky little plant, often called the “toothache plant” or “buzz button,” is as fun to grow as it is fascinating. Its unique, yellow-and-red bullseye blooms may be small, but they pack a punch—literally. Chewing one can create a tingling, buzzing sensation in your mouth!

And here’s the best part: growing Spilanthes is far easier than many people think. Once you know its preferences, this low-maintenance plant practically thrives on its own. Let me walk you through the essentials.

Where to Plant Spilanthes

Spilanthes loves warmth and sunlight. It’s a tropical plant by nature, so give it a sunny spot in your garden where it can soak up at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

If you’re working with cooler weather, don’t worry. Spilanthes does great in containers or raised beds, which are easier to move or warm up. I once kept mine thriving on a south-facing windowsill during an unseasonably cold spring, and it didn’t miss a beat.

Soil and Watering Tips

This plant appreciates well-draining soil. I recommend mixing in compost or aged manure before planting to give it a nutrient-rich base.

While Spilanthes isn’t fussy about soil pH, keeping it slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) works best. If your local soil leans alkaline, amend it with organic matter like peat moss.

As for watering, moderate moisture is key. Let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again. I learned the hard way that overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in heavy clay soil.

How to Start Your Spilanthes

Spilanthes grows easily from seed. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Press them lightly into the surface of the soil—they need light to germinate—and keep them warm (70–75°F).

Within 7-14 days, you'll see tiny sprouts. Once the seedlings have true leaves and the frost danger passes, they’re ready to go outside. Space them 12-18 inches apart to give them room to bush out.

Fertilizing for Success

If you’ve prepped your soil well, Spilanthes won’t demand much extra feeding. However, for a growth boost, apply an organic liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.

I’ve found that fish emulsion or seaweed fertilizer works wonders. They’re gentle and support steady growth without overwhelming the plant.

Pruning and Maintenance

Spilanthes is a fast grower, and regular pruning helps it stay compact. Snip off spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prevent the plant from going to seed too early.

If it looks leggy, pinch back the tips to promote branching. The bonus? Those fresh leaves are edible and make a fun addition to salads!

Pest and Disease Prevention

Good news: Spilanthes is relatively pest-resistant. Its pungent aroma seems to deter most bugs. That said, aphids occasionally turn up, especially during humid weather.

If you spot them, a quick spray of neem oil or a blast of water usually does the trick. Keep an eye on moisture levels to avoid fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

“Spilanthes taught me this: a plant with a bigger personality doesn’t always mean bigger problems.”

Why Grow Spilanthes?

Beyond its novelty, Spilanthes has plenty of uses. Its leaves and flowers are edible, with a citrus-y, slightly spicy flavor. They’re fun in cocktails, salads, or even as a conversation starter.

Traditionally, Spilanthes has been used in herbal remedies for toothaches and sore throats, thanks to its numbing properties. If you enjoy growing plants with medicinal qualities, you’ll love adding this one to your collection.

Final Notes for a Thriving Spilanthes

• Choose a sunny, warm spot or container.
• Provide rich, well-draining soil with organic amendments.
• Water moderately, but let the soil surface dry out between watering.
• Feed lightly with organic fertilizers for lush growth.
• Stay on top of deadheading and pruning to keep it thriving.

Whether you want a conversation piece or a plant with practical uses, Spilanthes delivers. It’s a plant that rewards curiosity, and honestly, who couldn’t use more of that in their garden?

Growing Spilanthes is a great way to support your daily health routine. It can be used to improve your overall energy, supporting your immune system and boosting your mood. Not only that, but you can also use Spilanthes to create your own healing balms and herbal teas. With its delicious flavor and numerous medicinal benefits, it’s an excellent addition to any garden!