Muscari botryoides aka Grape Hyacinth
Taxonomy
Muscari botryoides, also known as grape hyacinth, is a bulbous perennial plant native to central and south-eastern Europe. It grows in open woodland and mountain meadows and produces bright blue flowers with white lobes that are almost totally round. The lower fertile flowers point downwards while the upper, usually paler and sterile, ones point upwards. This plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant and is useful, but it may also be poisonous. While it is less invasive than other species such as M. neglectum, it is still listed as invasive in Tennessee. Common Grape Hyacinth is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering and direct light to thrive. It prefers soil that is well-draining and should be repotted when it doubles in size. Belonging to the Muscari genus, it is native to Europe.
Common names
Grape Hyacinth, Compact Grape Hyacinth, Italian Grape Hyacinth, Small Grape Hyacinth, Common Grape HyacinthHow to care for Grape Hyacinth
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Grape Hyacinth is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Grape Hyacinth should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Grape Hyacinth 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 Grape Hyacinth 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 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 Grape Hyacinth 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.
Region of origin
Grape Hyacinth’s native range is C. and S.E. Europe.
More info:
Wikipedia
