Juncus effusus aka Cork Screw Rush

Taxonomy

Juncus effusus, commonly known as common rush or soft rush, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant species in the family Juncaceae. It is a clump-forming, evergreen, grass-like perennial that can grow up to 1.5m tall. The plant features bright green to yellowish rounded stems that form arching fans. From late spring to summer, small green to brown flowers emerge on the sides of the stems just below the stem tips. Juncus effusus is found in various wetland habitats such as ditches, bogs, swamps, marshes, and along the margins of lakes and rivers. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, primarily in cool-temperate regions with wet soils. The stems are usually solid, with leaves reduced to bladeless basal sheathes. This species can be invasive in moist soil environments.

Common names

Cork Screw Rush, Soft Rush, Common Rush

How to care for Cork Screw Rush

Difficulty

Cork Screw Rush presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Cork Screw Rush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Cork Screw 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 Common 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 Cork Screw Rush will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Cork Screw Rush 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.

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 Cork Screw 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

The Cork Screw Rush is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.

Region of origin

Cork Screw Rush’s native range is Throughout the northern temperate zone, including Britain, east and south Africa, Australasia.


More info:
Wikipedia