Delphinium carolinianum aka Carolina Larkspur

Taxonomy

Delphinium carolinianum, also known as Carolina larkspur or wild larkspur, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family. It is native to central and eastern North America and can be found in various habitats such as prairies, rocky glades, moist rich woods, and upland sand prairies. The plant produces blue to white flowers in the spring and comes in four subspecies, namely calciphilum, carolinianum, vimineum, and virescens. Carolina larkspur is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light, but should be kept away from consumption as it is extremely dangerous if ingested. The plant prefers well-draining soil and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Carolina Larkspur

How to care for Carolina Larkspur

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Carolina Larkspur, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

Carolina Larkspur 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

Carolina Larkspur 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 Carolina Larkspur is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Carolina Larkspur plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of 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 Carolina Larkspur 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

The Carolina Larkspur displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.


More info:
Wikipedia