Hydrophyllum virginianum aka John's Cabbage

Taxonomy

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 Waterleaf

How to care for John's Cabbage

Difficulty

John's Cabbage presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

John's Cabbage should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

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.

Dormancy

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.

Toxicity

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.

Region of origin

John's Cabbage’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec and New England to Virginia, west to Tennessee and Kansas.


More info:
Wikipedia