Arisaema triphyllum aka Jack In The Pulpit

Taxonomy

Arisaema triphyllum, also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit, is a unique flowering plant belonging to the Araceae family. This species is a part of the Arisaema triphyllum complex, which includes four or five closely-related taxa found in eastern North America. The name triphyllum refers to the characteristic feature of the plant, which is its three-leaved structure. In addition to Jack-in-the-pulpit, it is also known as Indian turnip, bog onion, and brown dragon. The plant has a fascinating growth habit with a tall stalk, or spadix, inside a hooded cup, or spathe. The true flowers are small, green, or yellow-tinged dots that line the spadix, while the entire structure is surrounded by large, three-lobed leaves that often conceal the spathe. In late summer or fall, the spathe falls off, and the flowers give way to bright red berries, which are mainly grown for decorative purposes. Jack-in-the-pulpit grows 1-2 feet tall and takes five years to flower. It thrives in fertile, medium to wet soil in part shade to full shade and requires constantly moist soil rich in organic matter. The roots contain calcium oxalate, which makes them poisonous. Arisaema triphyllum sensu lato is common throughout most of its range, covering eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Manitoba in eastern Canada and from Texas to Florida in the southern United States. It is a spring woodland wildflower that offers a unique and intriguing addition to any garden.

Common names

Jack In The Pulpit, Indian Turnip

How to care for Jack In The Pulpit

Difficulty

Jack In The Pulpit requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Jack In The Pulpit should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Jack In The Pulpit is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Jack In The Pulpit prefers bright diffused 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.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Jack In The Pulpit to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Jack In The Pulpit is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Jack In The Pulpit’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec to Louisiana and Kansas.


More info:
Wikipedia