Persicaria longiseta aka Bristly Lady's Thumb

Taxonomy

Persicaria longiseta, also known as Oriental lady's thumb, bristly lady's thumb, Asiatic smartweed, long-bristled smartweed, low smartweed, Asiatic waterpepper, bristled knotweed, bunchy knotweed, and tufted knotweed, is a species of annual herb in the knotweed family. It is native to Asia, including China, India, Russia, Japan, and Malaysia, but has been introduced to North America and Europe, where it often grows as a weed. The plant can reach up to one meter in length and has lance-shaped leaves with bristly ochrea. Its inflorescence is an elongate cluster of many pink flowers, up to 8 centimeters long, with a short sheath at the base covered in bristly hairs. The fruit is a small, smooth achene. In its native region, it is a common weed of rice paddies, but in North America and Canada, it can be found in moist and dry habitats, such as wetlands, meadows, marshes, mudflats, riverbanks, floodplains, levees, and lowland and upland forests. It is invasive in some areas. As a houseplant, Oriental Lady's Thumb needs regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, and prefers soil that retains moisture well. No additional fertilizers are needed if the plant is repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Bristly Lady's Thumb, Oriental Lady's Thumb, Asiatic Smartweed, Long Bristled Smartweed, Low Smartweed

How to care for Bristly Lady's Thumb

Difficulty

Bristly Lady's Thumb is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Bristly Lady's Thumb 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 Bristly Lady's Thumb 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

Bristly Lady's Thumb requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Bristly Lady's Thumb will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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 Bristly Lady's Thumb 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.


More info:
Wikipedia