Plantago lanceolata aka Narrow Leaf Plantain

Taxonomy

Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort plantain, narrowleaf plantain, English plantain, ribleaf, lamb's tongue, and buckhorn, is a common weed found on cultivated or disturbed land. It is a low-growing herbaceous perennial with ribbed green leaves that form rosettes. The leaves are flatter and more rounded in short turf, but longer and more upright in meadows and grasslands. This plant produces leafless spikes of small, tightly clustered brown flowers with creamy white anthers throughout the summer. It belongs to the plantain family Plantaginaceae and has a long tap root. The plant is characterized by leafless, silky, hairy flower stems measuring 10–40 cm or 3.9–15.7 inches. Despite being considered a weed, Plantago lanceolata has its usefulness. If you want to remove it, here are some methods.

Common names

Narrow Leaf Plantain, Ribwort Plantain, English Plantain

How to care for Narrow Leaf Plantain

Difficulty

Narrow Leaf Plantain is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Narrow Leaf Plantain should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Narrow Leaf Plantain 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

Narrow Leaf Plantain 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 Narrow Leaf Plantain 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 Narrow Leaf Plantain 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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Narrow Leaf Plantain’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, northern and central Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia