Apiaceae
Cardón (Eryngium humboldtii)
Eryngium humboldtii
A high-mountain plant that is almost never cultivated. In the páramo it grows in the open, with sun, cold, mist and constantly moist soil. There is no published growing guide; anyone trying it should copy that setting: full sun, a cool climate and moist soil that never sits waterlogged. It is not a houseplant.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Cardón?
Cardón (Eryngium humboldtii) is a hard-care plant from the Apiaceae family. Cardón (Eryngium humboldtii) is a perennial herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae), native to the páramos of Colombia and north-western Venezuela. It grows at about 3,400 to 3,800 m, in frailejón grasslands and low shrubland, and in some places, such as near the source of the Bogotá River, it is very...
Cardón grows up to 45cm, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Cardón demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Cardón is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Cardón?
TLDR: Cardón needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Cardón?
In the wild, páramo soil stays moist nearly all year. In cultivation, keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged.
How Much Light Does Cardón Need?
Full sun in the open, like the páramo where it grows.
What Is Cardón and Where Does It Come From?
Cardón (Eryngium humboldtii) is a perennial herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae), native to the páramos of Colombia and north-western Venezuela. It grows at about 3,400 to 3,800 m, in frailejón grasslands and low shrubland, and in some places, such as near the source of the Bogotá River, it is very abundant. It forms a 20 to 30 cm rosette of stiff, striated leaves with spiny margins, whitish undersides and an aromatic smell. When it flowers it sends up a stalk of about 40 cm with heads of small white to cream flowers surrounded by greenish-yellow bracts. It is used in folk medicine, but how is not documented. It is hardly ever grown outside its habitat.
How Big Does Cardón Grow?
TLDR: Cardón can reach up to 45cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
45cm
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Is your plant showing symptoms?
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Fun Facts
It is related to carrot and coriander, and its leaves are aromatic
Near the source of the Bogotá River it forms very dense stands among the frailejones
Frequently asked questions
Where does cardón (Eryngium humboldtii) grow?
Is cardón a cactus?
Can I grow cardón at home?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky false asphodel | Hard | Bright indirect | 1d | ✓ |
| Creeping bentgrass | Hard | Direct sun | 3d | ✓ |
| Bulbous Chervil | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Bulbous Adder's-tongue | Hard | Partial shade | 4d | ✓ |
