Houstonia pusilla aka Tiny Bluet

Taxonomy

Houstonia pusilla, also known as Tiny Bluet, is a short plant from the Rubiaceae family native to the United States. It can be found in the southeastern and central parts of the country, from Texas to Florida, north to Long Island and South Dakota. There is also an isolated population in Pima County, Arizona. The plant has a center rosette form with green herbaceous foliage and leaves up to 0.5 inches (13 mm) long, growing up to 6 inches (150 mm) or less in height. It features tiny blue-toned, yellow-centered flowers with four lobes and a diameter of 0.25–0.33 inches (6.4–8.4 mm). Each flower grows from a single branch growing from the leaf axil. This plant requires full sun and blooms in spring and early summer. It is a groundcover that multiplies by self-sowing and can be found in dry open places, rocky ledges, granite glades, and outcrops. For those looking to grow Tiny Bluet as a houseplant, it needs regular watering to thrive and should be placed in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. The soil should be well-draining, and the plant doesn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Tiny Bluet

How to care for Tiny Bluet

Difficulty

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

Water

Tiny Bluet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tiny Bluet 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 Tiny Bluet 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.

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

Repotting the Tiny Bluet is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Tiny Bluet grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia