Juncus capitatus aka Leafybract Dwarf Rush

Taxonomy

Juncus capitatus, also known as dwarf rush and leafybract dwarf rush, is a small annual herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It can also be found in parts of North America, such as California and the Gulf Coast, where it has been introduced. This plant typically grows in moist areas, such as wet sand, vernal pools, and ditches. It is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light, but should be kept less than a foot away from a window. The stems of the dwarf rush are erect and thready, and the leaves are basal, up to 3-4 centimeters long and green to red or brownish in color. The inflorescence of the plant contains up to six clustered flowers, each with pointed outer tepals and thinner, shorter, oval-shaped inner tepals. The pointed bracts at the base of the inflorescence are often longer than the flower cluster itself and somewhat leaflike, which gives the species its common name. The plant produces tiny oval-shaped capsules that are one to two millimeters long. If you need to get rid of this plant, it requires thorough digging to remove all the rhizomes from the ground. When growing this plant as a houseplant, it is important to use soil that retains moisture and to repot it each time it doubles in size, eliminating the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Leafybract Dwarf Rush, Dwarf Rush

How to care for Leafybract Dwarf Rush

Difficulty

Leafybract Dwarf Rush is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Leafybract Dwarf Rush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Leafybract Dwarf Rush, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Dwarf Rush with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Leafybract Dwarf Rush from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Leafybract Dwarf Rush regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Leafybract Dwarf Rush will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

Leafybract Dwarf Rush requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Leafybract Dwarf Rush will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Leafybract Dwarf Rush is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia