Dianthus barbatus aka Sweet William
Taxonomy
Common names
Sweet William, Sweet William [Dianthus], Bloomy DownHow to care for Sweet William
Difficulty
Sweet William requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Sweet William should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Sweet William 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 Sweet William 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 cold period, it is common for Sweet William to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Sweet William is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Sweet William does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The growth of Sweet William is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Sweet William’s native range is Europe and Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia