Chelone glabra aka Balmony

Taxonomy

Chelone glabra, also known as white turtlehead, is a herbaceous plant native to North America. It can be found in wet areas such as riparian forests and swamps, spanning from Georgia to Newfoundland and Labrador, and from Mississippi to Manitoba. The plant derives its common name from the resemblance of its flower petals to the head of a tortoise. Interestingly, the name "chelone" comes from Greek mythology, where it was the name of a nymph who was transformed into a turtle for refusing to attend Zeus' wedding. Belonging to the family Plantaginaceae, its classification has been a subject of debate in the past but is now confirmed through DNA sequence studies. This moisture-loving plant grows upright, reaching up to 90cm in height, with lance-shaped leaves measuring up to 20cm long. In late summer, it produces clusters of white or pink-tinged flowers, approximately 2.5cm in length, resembling turtle heads. This robust perennial can grow between 1-4 ft. tall, with its stems ending in spikes of white flowers, further emphasizing the turtle head resemblance.

Common names

Balmony, Turtlehead, Snakehead, White Turtlehead, Smooth Balmony

How to care for Balmony

Difficulty

Balmony presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

Balmony 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 Balmony 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 wintertime, it's common for Balmony to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

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

Once the Balmony has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Balmony grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Balmony’s native range is Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Ontario and Minnesota, south to Georgia and Missouri.


More info:
Wikipedia