Cucurbita foetidissima aka Buffalo Gourd
Taxonomy
Common names
Buffalo Gourd, Prairie Gourd, Missouri GourdHow to care for Buffalo Gourd
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Buffalo Gourd is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Buffalo Gourd should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Buffalo Gourd 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
Buffalo Gourd 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 Prairie Gourd is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Buffalo Gourd to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Buffalo Gourd as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Buffalo Gourd’s native range is South-western N. America.
More info:
Wikipedia