Alnus incana aka Grey Alder

Taxonomy

Alnus incana, also known as the grey alder or speckled alder, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the birch family. It is native to cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere and can grow up to 18 meters tall. This species is tolerant of wetter soils and can slowly spread with runners, making it a common sight in swamps and wetlands. Its small cones, speckled bark, and broad leaves make it easily distinguishable. Alnus incana is a hardy plant that can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate maritime exposure. The species is monoecious and pollinated by wind. It can also fix nitrogen. However, it can have invasive and aggressive roots. Grey Alder is a rare houseplant that belongs to the Alnus genus. It is native to Canada and the Northeastern United States. The plant is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Grey Alder likes soil that is good at retaining moisture, and you may want to supplement with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season.

Common names

Grey Alder, Gray Alder, Speckled Alder

How to care for Grey Alder

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Grey Alder, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Grey Alder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Grey Alder, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Speckled Alder is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Grey Alder will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Grey Alder prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Region of origin

Grey Alder’s native range is Europe. Introduced in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia