Pachysandra terminalis aka Japanese Pachysandra

Taxonomy

Pachysandra terminalis, also known as Japanese pachysandra, carpet box, Japanese spurge, or green carpet, is a slow-growing, spreading evergreen perennial plant native to Japan, Korea, and China, but introduced to eastern North America. It can grow up to 10 cm tall and 60 cm broad, forming a dense cover when grown in a mass of many plants. The glossy leaves are simple and alternate, and the plant produces white flowers above the foliage. It is cold hardy and can thrive in shaded areas where other plants struggle, making it a popular ground cover that is tolerant of many types of soils, pollution, and drought. However, it is susceptible to leaf blight, root rot, and euonymus scale. The plant's specific epithet, terminalis, refers to the clusters of leaves that appear at the end of the short stems. In temperate Northern Hemisphere sites, the flowers appear from late March to April. While the leaves may yellow in direct sunlight or winter, it remains an herbaceous perennial evergreen in the boxwood family that is highly sought-after for ground cover purposes.

Common names

Japanese Pachysandra, Carpet Box, Japanese Spurge

How to care for Japanese Pachysandra

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Japanese Pachysandra is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Japanese Pachysandra should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Japanese Pachysandra, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Japanese Spurge with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Japanese Pachysandra from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Carpet Box regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Japanese Pachysandra will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Japanese Pachysandra 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

The Japanese Pachysandra is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Japanese Pachysandra’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia