Brassicaceae
Honesty: Fast Growing
Lunaria annua
Easy-going biennial: grow in rich, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season, then let seed pods dry on the stem for cutting.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
-25° - 30°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Honesty?
Honesty (Lunaria annua) is a easy-care plant from the Brassicaceae family. Honesty (Lunaria annua) is a cottage-garden biennial in the mustard family, grown for its purple-to-white spring flowers and, later, its papery, translucent, coin-shaped seed pods that are prized in dried arrangements.
Honesty grows up to 90cm, spread of 45cm, watering every 7 days, -25°C – 30°C, 40–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Honesty tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Honesty is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Honesty?
TLDR: Honesty needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between -25-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Honesty?
Water regularly to keep soil lightly moist; avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
How Much Light Does Honesty Need?
Grows best in full sun to partial shade, at least a few hours of direct or bright light daily.
What Is the Best Soil for Honesty?
Prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH of 6.5-7.5.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Honesty and Where Does It Come From?
Honesty (Lunaria annua) is a cottage-garden biennial in the mustard family, grown for its purple-to-white spring flowers and, later, its papery, translucent, coin-shaped seed pods that are prized in dried arrangements.
How Big Does Honesty Grow?
TLDR: Honesty can reach up to 90cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Honesty?
TLDR: Honesty is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal-like disease caused by oomycetes (water molds) that thrives in cool, wet conditions. It affects a wide range of plants, causing yellowing leaves with fuzzy white-gray growth underneath, leading to defoliation and reduced yields if left untreated.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes honesty and sincerity; the translucent silvery seed pods, resembling coins or moons, also inspired names like money plant and moonwort.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
