Plantago media aka Hoary Plantain

Taxonomy

Plantago media, also known as the hoary plantain, is a useful species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. It is native to central and western Europe, including Great Britain, but has been introduced to parts of the north-east United States where it can become invasive. The plant's generic name is derived from the Latin for sole, and it should not be confused with the unrelated starchy banana plantain. As a houseplant, the hoary plantain is super rare and requires regular watering, well-draining soil, and direct light within 1 foot of a window. If repotted each time it doubles in size, it shouldn't need added fertilizers to thrive.

Common names

Hoary Plantain

How to care for Hoary Plantain

Difficulty

Caring for Hoary Plantain is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

Hoary 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

Hoary Plantain requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hoary Plantain is always in the right place to thrive.

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 Hoary Plantain 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.

Region of origin

Hoary Plantain’s native range is Southern Europe, including Britain, to temperate Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia