Echinops sphaerocephalus aka Great Globe Thistle

Taxonomy

Echinops sphaerocephalus, also known as glandular globe-thistle, great globe-thistle, or pale globe-thistle, is a woolly perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the tribe Cardueae within the family Asteraceae. It is native to Southern and Central Europe to Russia and can grow up to 200 cm (80 inches) tall. The plant has erect, branching, gray, slightly wrinkled, and hairy stems that bear large, soft, sharply toothed, sharp-lobed pointed green leaves. However, it is considered invasive in Central Europe. Globe Thistle is a rare houseplant that does well in long-lasting, direct light, and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It requires regular watering and well-draining soil. Repotting the plant each time it doubles in size eliminates the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Great Globe Thistle, Globe Thistle, Glandular Globe Thistle

How to care for Great Globe Thistle

Difficulty

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

Water

Great Globe Thistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Great Globe Thistle 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

Great Globe Thistle thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Glandular Globe Thistle.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Great Globe Thistle plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Great Globe Thistle should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia