Calystegia purpurata aka Pacific False Bindweed

Taxonomy

Calystegia purpurata, also known as Pacific false bindweed or smooth Western morning glory, is a robust perennial herb endemic to California. It grows in the seaside scrub of the coastline and the chaparral of the coastal and inland valleys. This plant has spreading or climbing stems that can reach up to 70 centimeters and lobed leaves that are generally triangular in shape and up to 5 centimeters long. The flower cluster produces 1 to 5 flowers atop peduncles, and the flower itself is a morning glory that can be white, pink, purple, or white or cream with purple stripes and up to 5 centimeters wide. As a houseplant, Pacific False Bindweed requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. Additionally, it prefers well-draining soil and benefits from gentle, organic fertilizer throughout its peak growing season.

Common names

Pacific False Bindweed

How to care for Pacific False Bindweed

Difficulty

Caring for Pacific False Bindweed is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Pacific False Bindweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pacific False Bindweed 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

Pacific False Bindweed 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 Pacific False Bindweed is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Pacific False Bindweed to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Pacific False Bindweed as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia