Amsonia tabernaemontana aka Texas Star

Taxonomy

Amsonia tabernaemontana, also known as the eastern bluestar, is a clump-forming perennial native to central and eastern North America. This North American species of flowering plant belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It features many stems with small, oval or lance-shaped dark green leaves. From late spring to mid-summer, dense rounded clusters of pale blue flowers adorn the plant. Additionally, there is a rare houseplant called Texas-Star, belonging to the Amsonia genus as well. Texas-Star thrives in direct light, about 1 foot away from a window, and requires regular watering to flourish. It prefers well-draining soil and does not usually require additional fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. This houseplant is native to the Central and Eastern United States.

Common names

Texas Star, Eastern Bluestar, Bluestar

How to care for Texas Star

Difficulty

Caring for Texas Star is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Texas Star should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Texas Star loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Texas Star requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Eastern Bluestar is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Texas Star is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Texas Star, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.


More info:
Wikipedia