Monarda didyma aka Scarlet Beebalm
Taxonomy
Monarda Didyma, commonly known as Crimson Beebalm, Scarlet Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Eau-de-Cologne plant, Oswego tea, or Bergamot, is an aromatic herb in the family Lamiaceae native to eastern North America from Maine to Minnesota and south to northern Georgia. This rare houseplant is not challenging to grow, needs regular watering and should be placed directly in sunlight no more than one foot away from a window. Its fragrance is similar to that of the bergamot orange, which is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. The genus name Monarda comes from Nicolas Monardes, who first described this beautiful American flower in 1569.
Common names
Scarlet Beebalm, Beebalm, BergamotHow to care for Scarlet Beebalm
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Scarlet Beebalm is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Scarlet Beebalm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Scarlet Beebalm 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
To ensure optimal growth, the Scarlet Beebalm prefers bright indirect 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
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The Scarlet Beebalm should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
The Scarlet Beebalm is a clumping species, with new growth arising from the soil surrounding the parent plant.
Region of origin
Scarlet Beebalm’s native range is Eastern N. America - New York to Michigan, south to Georgia and Tennessee.
More info:
Wikipedia
