Sindur Live Plant

🔍 Botanical & General Description

Common names: Sindoor Plant, Lipstick Tree, Annatto Tree.
The Times of India
+3
Aranyaani Food Forest
+3
cpuh.in
+3

Family: Bixaceae.
cpuh.in

Native habitat: Tropical regions of Central & South America, but now widely cultivated in warm climates including India.
Aranyaani Food Forest
+1

Habit: An evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub or small tree. Some sources say it can reach about 6-10 m (20-33 ft) tall.
Meesho
+1

Leaves: Broad, heart-shaped (ovate), simple leaves with pointed tip.
cpuh.in
+1

Flowers: Usually white to pale pink or light rose coloured, with 5 petals typical of the species.
Aranyaani Food Forest

Fruit / Seed: After flowering, the plant forms spiny-seed-pods (capsules). These open to expose numerous seeds covered in a bright red-orange aril (pulp). That pulp is the source of natural pigment.
The Economic Times
+2
The Times of India
+2

🎨 Uses & Significance

Pigment / Dye: The red-orange coating around the seeds has been used for centuries as a natural dye, food colouring (annatto), cosmetics (including traditional sindoor) and even textiles.
The Times of India
+1

Cultural significance: In India, the plant has symbolic value because of its connection to the vermilion “sindoor” used traditionally by married women.
The Economic Times
+1

Medicinal / Traditional uses: The plant has been used in traditional medicine: e.g., uses of leaf decoctions, pulp for skin conditions, etc.
dfe.gov.in

🌱 Growing Conditions & Care (for Howrah / West Bengal context)

Since you are in Howrah (West Bengal), here are adapted guidelines:

Light & Location

Prefers a warm, sunny to partly shaded spot. Because it originates in tropical climates, it will thrive in a location with plenty of light.
bajarangnursery.online

In very hot midday sun it may need some protection or good airflow.

Soil & Drainage

Well-draining soil is important. The plant does not like waterlogging. Organic-rich soil will help foliage and growth.
Smriti Tak

A slightly elevated bed or ensuring the water drains away after monsoon in your region will help.

Watering & Climate

Regular watering when young and during dry spells; once established it may tolerate somewhat less frequent watering, but keep soil from staying dry for too long.

Your region is humid and warm which suits the plant, but good airflow helps reduce fungal or pest problems.

Pruning & Maintenance

Prune to shape and remove dead-wood or dense growth to allow light and air in.

When grown as a small tree/shrub, you can manage height by selective pruning.

Propagation

By seed: use the seeds from matured pods, sow in suitable pot or bed.
Smriti Tak

By cuttings: possibly from semi-hardwood cuttings in some cases (though seed is common).

Potential Issues

In colder or frost-prone regions it may not thrive — but in West Bengal you should be fine given your climate.

Monitor for pests, ensure good drainage especially during monsoon season.

✅ Pros & ⚠️ Considerations

Pros

Unique plant with cultural and practical value (pigment, dye, ornamental).

Attractive leaves + the bright red seed pods are visually striking in a garden.

Adapted to tropical/sub-tropical climates (which is your region).

Considerations

Requires space: if grown as a small tree/shrub it may grow several metres tall and wide, so plan the garden space accordingly.

If you intend for the pigment-seed use, you’ll need to allow the plant to reach fruiting stage, which may take a few years.

For optimal growth you’ll want full to partial sun and good soil/ drainage; simply placing it in a dark or highly shaded corner will likely reduce its performance.