Lagerstroemia indica aka Crapemyrtle
Taxonomy
Lagerstroemia indica, also known as crape myrtle, crepeflower, or cape myrtle, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Lagerstroemia of the family Lythraceae. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. The tree is often multi-stemmed, deciduous, and has a wide-spreading, flat-topped, rounded, or even spike-shaped open habit. It is a popular nesting shrub for songbirds and wrens and offers brilliant color in late summer through autumn. In the United Kingdom, it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In arid climates, it requires supplemental watering and some shade in the hottest areas. The plant must have hot summers to flower successfully, and it is vulnerable to fungal diseases if it doesn't. As a houseplant, it is easy to grow and needs regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It should be less than 1 foot from a window. The genus name honors Swedish botanist Magnus von Lagerström.
Common names
Crapemyrtle, Crepe Myrtle, Pride Of IndiaHow to care for Crapemyrtle
Difficulty
Crapemyrtle presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Crapemyrtle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Crapemyrtle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Crapemyrtle 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 Pride Of India.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Crapemyrtle to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Crapemyrtle is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Crapemyrtle 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.
Region of origin
Crapemyrtle’s native range is E. Asia - China, Korea.
More info:
Wikipedia
