Pilosella aurantiaca aka Orange Hawkweed

Taxonomy

Pilosella aurantiaca, also known as fox-and-cubs, orange hawk bit, devil's paintbrush, or grim-the-collier, is a perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to alpine regions of central and southern Europe, this low-growing plant has shallow fibrous roots and a basal rosette of elliptical to lanceolate leaves that exude a milky juice. The stem and leaves are covered with short stiff hairs, usually blackish in color. The stems may reach a height of 60 centimeters and have 2-25 capitula (flowerheads), each 1-2+1⁄2 cm in diameter, bundled together at the end of short pedicels. The flowers are orange, almost red, and reflect ultraviolet light, making them conspicuous to pollinators. The flowers are visited by various insects, including many species of bees, butterflies, and pollinating flies. While orange hawkweed is invasive in North America and Australia, it is also a rare houseplant that needs regular watering and direct light to thrive. It prefers soil that is well-draining and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Orange Hawkweed, Fox And Cubs, Devil's Paintbrush

How to care for Orange Hawkweed

Difficulty

Orange Hawkweed is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Orange Hawkweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Orange Hawkweed 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 Orange Hawkweed prefers bright diffused 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.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Orange Hawkweed to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Orange Hawkweed is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia