Chimaphila maculata aka Spotted Wintergreen
Taxonomy
Chimaphila maculata, also known as spotted wintergreen, striped wintergreen, striped prince's pine, spotted pipsissewa, ratsbane, or rheumatism root, is a small, perennial, evergreen herb that is native to eastern North America and Central America. This charming woodland plant is characterized by nodding, pale pink or waxy white blooms and forest-green foliage decorated with contrasting, creamy white stripes. It is relatively rare as a houseplant but is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. Spotted Wintergreen likes soil that is extremely well-draining and should not need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. It does best in moderate sunlight and should be less than 6 feet from a window. This plant belongs to the Chimaphila genus and is native to Southeast Canada to Central America.
Common names
Spotted Wintergreen, Spotted Pipsissewa, Striped Prince's PineHow to care for Spotted Wintergreen
Difficulty
Spotted Wintergreen requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Spotted Wintergreen should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
The Spotted Wintergreen is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Spotted Wintergreen 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 Spotted Wintergreen 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.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Spotted Wintergreen’s native range is Eastern N. America - Illinois to Michigan and Ontario, south to Texas and Georgia.
More info:
Wikipedia
