PM Modi plants Sindoor Tree: How is Indian vermillion produced and what are its other uses

Jun 5, 2025 Aakanksha Sharma

PM Modi plants a Sindoor tree

On World Environment Day, June 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a Sindoor plant at his residence in Delhi. He wrote, “Today, on World Environment Day, I have had the privilege of planting Sindoor plant…. will remain a strong symbol of the valour and inspiration.” narendramodi/X

What is the Sindoor plant?

Sindoor plant, or Bixa orellana, is a small tropical shrub and is famous for its bright red seeds. It’s commonly called the ‘Annatto’ in English and the Sindoor plant in Hindi. Canva

Why the name ‘Sindoor’?

The plant is called Sindoor in Hindi because its seeds produce a deep reddish-orange dye, similar in colour to the traditional sindoor. Canva

The natural red pigment

The seeds of Annatto have a natural red pigment that is actually used in India, and abroad, for the colour. Be it food colouring, used in rituals, or more, the seeds are of great use. Canva

What does the plant look like?

While PM Modi planted a tall sapling, the Bixa orellana grows up to be about 6–10 feet tall. It has large, heart-shaped green leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers. And after the flowers comes a spiny fruit, which is red in colour, and has seeds that are turned to dye. Canva

How are the seeds turned to colour?

Traditionally, the red dye is made by crushing the seeds in water or oil to extract the colour, but this is only done when the fruit has matured and the seeds have dried. Canva

Is it safe on the skin and food?

According to popular perception, Sindoor plants are all natural, and are completely safe to use. It is non-toxic, and even edible according to some, and thus can be used on skin or added to food. Canva

Can it be grown at home?

Short answer? Yes. But, it needs a lot of care, pruning, good sunlight, and much more. In India, growing a Sindoor plant is best if you have a backyard or a front garden, as it will not get proper warmth or space in balconies or terraces. Canva

How to grow it?

If you do have a backyard, why not do what PM Modi just did? Buy a healthy sapling of the Sindoor plant from the nursery nearby, and make sure no leaves are cut or eaten by insects. The root ball should also be intact. Canva

Growing conditions

Add the sapling straight into the soil, and then water it lightly over the next few days. Spray neem oil around the leaves and soil if required, and make sure that the spot you grow it in gets atleast 4-6 hours of sunlight everyday. Canva

Next: 8 succulents that can live and grow for over 50 years!

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