Liatris pycnostachya aka Prairie Blazingstar

Taxonomy

Liatris pycnostachya, also known as prairie blazing star, cattail gayfeather or cattail blazing star, is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family that is native to the tallgrass prairies of the central United States. This Missouri native species is upright, clump-forming, and can grow up to 5 feet tall. It can be found in prairies, open woods, meadows, and along railroad tracks and roads. Prairie blazing star is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. Repotting is recommended each time it doubles in size and it doesn't need added fertilizers.

Common names

Prairie Blazingstar, Prairie Blazing Star, Cattail Gayfeather, Prairie Gayfeather, Thick Spike Gayfeather

How to care for Prairie Blazingstar

Difficulty

Caring for Prairie Blazingstar is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Prairie Blazingstar should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Prairie Blazingstar 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

Prairie Blazingstar requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Prairie Blazing Star is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Prairie Blazingstar to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Prairie Blazingstar should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Prairie Blazingstar as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia