Calycanthus occidentalis aka California Spicebush
Taxonomy
Calycanthus occidentalis, also known as spice bush or western sweetshrub, is a large bushy shrub native to California and possibly Washington state. It thrives in moist canyons and along streams in the foothills of mountains. This flowering shrub features rough-textured, dark green, ovate leaves and produces solitary deep red flowers that can reach up to 5cm in diameter during the summer. As a houseplant, spice bush is considered super rare and easy to grow, requiring regular watering and long-lasting direct light, preferably within 1 foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and does not typically require additional fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. Belonging to the Calycanthus genus, spice bush is native to the Southwestern United States.
Common names
California Spicebush, California Allspice, SweetshrubHow to care for California Spicebush
Difficulty
California Spicebush is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
California Spicebush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
California Spicebush 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
To ensure optimal growth, the California Spicebush 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.
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 California Spicebush should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
California Spicebush’s native range is South-western N. America - California.
More info:
Wikipedia
