Hydrophyllum virginianum aka John's Cabbage
Taxonomy ID: 14730
Hydrophyllum virginianum, also known as Virginia waterleaf or eastern waterleaf, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the borage family (Boraginaceae) native to Eastern North America. It can be found primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, and Appalachian regions, often in bottomland forests, mesic upland forests, and rocky forested bluffs. The plant spreads by both rhizomes and seeds, forming large colonies in wooded areas. It grows up to 1-2 feet tall and blooms from early spring to June with small bell-shaped flowers in clusters that attract bees.
Common names
John's Cabbage, Virginia Waterleaf, Eastern WaterleafMore information about John's Cabbage
How difficult is it to take care of John's Cabbage
John's Cabbage presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of John's Cabbage
John's Cabbage’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec and New England to Virginia, west to Tennessee and Kansas.
What are the water needs for John's Cabbage
John's Cabbage should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for John's Cabbage
John's Cabbage is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Eastern Waterleaf is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Eastern Waterleaf with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your John's Cabbage with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
What is the sunlight requirement for John's Cabbage
To ensure optimal growth, the John's Cabbage 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.
Is John's Cabbage toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
What's the dormancy for John's Cabbage
During the wintertime, it's common for John's Cabbage to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Hydrophyllum Genus
Hydrophyllum canadense Blunt Leaf Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum macrophyllum Largeleaf Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum John's Cabbage
Hydrophyllum appendiculatum Great Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum capitatum Woollen Breeches
Hydrophyllum tenuipes Pacific Waterleaf
