Phlox stolonifera aka Creeping Phlox

Taxonomy

Phlox stolonifera, also known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, is a mat-forming evergreen perennial plant native to the eastern United States. It can be found in woodlands and stream banks near the Appalachian Mountains, extending as far north as Québec, Canada. This species features pale purple, pink, or white flowers with a five-lobed corolla and yellow stamens, measuring 2–2.5 cm in diameter. Unlike its relative, Phlox subulata, it lacks a central band of color on its flowers. The plant has ovate leaves, with those on creeping stems being larger than those on the erect flowering stems. The Latin specific epithet stolonifera refers to its ability to produce stolons or rooting runners. As a houseplant, creeping phlox is considered rare but easy to cultivate. It thrives with regular watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light within a foot of a window. Well-draining soil is ideal for this plant, and it typically does not require additional fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. Creeping phlox belongs to the Phlox genus and is native to Eastern North America. Its clusters of fragrant white flowers bloom on upright stems above the foliage during late spring and early summer.

Common names

Creeping Phlox

How to care for Creeping Phlox

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Creeping Phlox due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Creeping Phlox should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Creeping Phlox 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

Creeping Phlox thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Creeping Phlox.

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 Creeping Phlox 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.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Creeping Phlox, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.


More info:
Wikipedia