Myosotis scorpioides aka Water Forget Me Not

Taxonomy

Myosotis scorpioides, also known as the true forget-me-not or water forget-me-not, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced as an invasive species and noxious weed in other parts of the world. The plant typically grows 6-10 inches tall, with angular stems and bright green, oblong to lance-shaped leaves up to 4 inches long. Its light sky blue flowers with yellow centers, which are 1/4 inch in diameter, bloom in branched scorpioid cymes that resemble a coiled scorpion's tail, hence the specific epithet. The long spring through summer bloom period makes it a popular choice for gardens. However, it is important to note that the common forget-me-not of borders and woodland gardens is Myosotis sylvatica, not Myosotis scorpioides. Additionally, True Forget-Me-Not is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light to thrive.

Common names

Water Forget Me Not, Forget Me Not, Water Scorpion Grass

How to care for Water Forget Me Not

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Water Forget Me Not, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Water Forget Me Not should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Water Forget Me Not is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Water Forget Me Not 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

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Water Forget Me Not should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Water Forget Me Not’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and the Himalayas N. America.


More info:
Wikipedia