Humulus lupulus aka Hops
Taxonomy
Humulus lupulus, also known as common hop or hops, is a perennial, herbaceous climbing plant that is native to West Asia, Europe, and North America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and produces lush green vines covered in creamy cone-like flowers. As a dioecious plant, it has separate male and female plants, and the female flowers are used to preserve and flavor beer, making it a widely cultivated species for the brewing industry. However, hops can also be an ornamental choice for home gardeners and provide shade and privacy in the garden. They thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 when given proper care, including regular watering, well-draining soil, and organic fertilizer during the peak growing season. Hop plants belong to the Humulus genus and are native to Europe, Siberia, Northern Iran, and Morocco. As a houseplant, they need long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window.
Common names
Hops, Bine, Common HopHow to care for Hops
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Hops is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Hops should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Hops 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 Hops prefers bright indirect 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 Hops to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Hops is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Region of origin
Hops’s native range is Much of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Humulus Genus
