Buddleja alternifolia aka Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush

Taxonomy

Buddleja alternifolia, also known as alternate-leaved butterfly-bush, is a rare flowering plant endemic to Gansu, China. This bushy, deciduous shrub has an arching habit and can grow up to 4 meters tall. Its lance-shaped leaves are furry and silver-grey in color. During the summer, it produces graceful pendent racemes of scented lilac flowers. Despite its rarity, alternate-leaved butterfly-bush is not challenging to grow as a houseplant. It thrives with regular watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light within 1 foot of a window. Well-draining soil is ideal for this plant, and fertilizers may not be necessary if it is repotted each time it doubles in size. Belonging to the Buddleja genus, this species is native to both Northern and Southern Central China.

Common names

Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush, Beauty Berry, Butterfly Bush

How to care for Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush 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

Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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.

Fertilizer

The Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia