Claytonia perfoliata aka Miner's Lettuce

Taxonomy

Claytonia perfoliata, also known as miner's lettuce, Indian lettuce, spring beauty, or winter purslane, is a flowering plant in the family Montiaceae and is native to the western mountain and coastal regions of North America. It is an edible, fleshy, herbaceous, annual plant that forms a tender rosette and can grow up to 40 centimeters in height, but mature plants can be as short as 1 centimeter. The leaves are bright green, succulent, and long, while the small pink or white flowers appear from February to June and are grouped 5-40 together. The plant prefers a cool, damp environment and is common in the springtime, although it can be invasive in North America. Additionally, Indian Lettuce is a relatively rare houseplant that prefers abundant sunlight and well-draining soil. Regular watering is necessary for it to thrive, and it should be less than 3 feet from a window. Fertilizers are not needed if the plant is repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Miner's Lettuce, Cuban Spinach, Springbeauty, Claytonia

How to care for Miner's Lettuce

Difficulty

Miner's Lettuce requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Miner's Lettuce should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Miner's Lettuce 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.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Miner's Lettuce should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Miner's Lettuce’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to California and Mexico. Naturalized in Britain.

More info:
Wikipedia