Ilex opaca aka American Holly
Taxonomy
Ilex opaca, commonly known as American holly, is an evergreen tree native to the eastern and south-central United States. It can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 120 centimeters. The bark is light gray and roughened by small warty lumps, while the branchlets are stout and green at first, later becoming smooth and brown. The leaves are alternate, stiff, and yellow-green with several sharp, spike-like points along the edges. The flowers are small and greenish-white, blooming in late spring in short pedunculate cymes from the axils of young leaves or scattered along the base of young branches. As a houseplant, American Holly is easy to grow and needs regular watering, as well as long-lasting, direct light. It prefers soil that retains moisture well and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. The plant belongs to the Ilex genus and is native to the Central and Eastern United States.
Common names
American Holly, White Holly, Christmas HollyHow to care for American Holly
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, American Holly is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
American Holly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your American Holly is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.
Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the American Holly 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.
Toxicity
American Holly is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The growth of American Holly is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
American Holly’s native range is Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas.
More info:
Wikipedia
