Juncus articulatus aka Joint Leaf Rush

Taxonomy

Juncus articulatus, also known as jointleaf rush or jointed rush, is a flowering plant species in the rush family Juncaceae. It is native to Eurasia, Canada, Greenland, and much of the United States and is a photophilous perennial herb that grows in moist areas, such as wet sand, and thrives in calcareous soils. This hygrophytic, mesotrophic plant is a perennial herb producing mainly erect stems from a short rhizome. The stem may root at nodes, and it generally has one or more flattened hollow cylindrical leaves up to 10 centimeters long. The foliage is alternate with leaves that are simple, linear, arranged along the length of the stem; the top of the leaf is sharp, and the edge is smooth. Transverse internal partitions or joints may be seen or felt in the leaf of the plant. The inflorescence atop the stem has several branches with up to 25 clusters of up to 12 flowers each. Each individual flower has greenish to dark brown, pointed tepals 2 to 3 millimeters long, six stamens bearing anthers, and a protruding, feathery pistil. The flowers are 1 cm in size and have six petals; the color is brown, with green and red shades and interspersed with white. The fruit is a dark brown capsule with a pointed tip. Blossoming in June-July and bearing fruit in August-September, this plant is useful but can be a nuisance. Constant weeding using the manual method is the best option, as it is more effective and safer than using chemicals. Jointleaf Rush is also a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Jointleaf Rush likes soil that is good at retaining moisture. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. While J. articulatus was found to be more sensitive to drought and salt stress than its congeners J. acutus and J. maritimus, it can still thrive with proper care and attention.

Common names

Joint Leaf Rush, Jointed Rush, Jointleaf Rush

How to care for Joint Leaf Rush

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Joint Leaf Rush due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Joint Leaf Rush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Joint Leaf Rush requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Jointleaf Rush, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Joint Leaf Rush will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Joint Leaf Rush thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Jointleaf Rush.

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

The growth rate of Joint Leaf Rush is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Joint Leaf Rush grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia