Eutrema japonicum aka Japanese Horseradish

Taxonomy

Wasabi, or Eutrema japonicum, is a plant of the Brassicaceae family and is native to Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East. It is a semi-shaded, herbaceous perennial that prefers a moist and humus-rich soil. It grows naturally along stream beds in mountains and is also suitable for gardens or allotments. It is quick-growing with large circular foliage and a small whitish flower, and is ground into a paste as the popular condiment for sushi. The grated stem and leaves are also edible and can be used in cuisine. The best temperature to grow wasabi is between 46-70 degrees and can take up to three years to mature and reach a harvest size of 1 inch in diameter. The popularity of Wasabi has been increasing steadily since 1980 with the rise of sushi consumption. Due to its difficulty in mass cultivation and limited availability along with its high price, "western wasabi" derived from horseradish is often used instead.

Common names

Japanese Horseradish, Wasabi, Wild Wasabi

How to care for Japanese Horseradish

Difficulty

Japanese Horseradish presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Soil

Japanese Horseradish 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 Japanese Horseradish 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 wintertime, it's common for Japanese Horseradish to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Japanese Horseradish is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Japanese Horseradish grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia