Polemonium caeruleum aka Jacob's Ladder
Taxonomy
Polemonium caeruleum, also known as Jacob's-ladder or Greek valerian, is a hardy perennial flowering plant that produces cup-shaped, blue or white (sometimes lavender-colored) flowers. It is a member of the Polemoniaceae family, along with annual Phlox and Cobaea scandens. Native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, it is commonly found in damp woodlands, grasslands, and meadows. The plant's unique, ladder-like arrangement of leaves is a result of the pinnate pattern of leaf formation. Jacob's Ladder is also known as American great valerian, Charity plant, Ladder to heaven, and Make-bate. As a houseplant, Jacob's Ladder is rare but not challenging to grow. It thrives with regular watering and direct light, ideally less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that retains moisture and does not generally require added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size.
Common names
Jacob's Ladder, Charity, Greek ValerianHow to care for Jacob's Ladder
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Jacob's Ladder, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Jacob's Ladder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Jacob's Ladder is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Charity is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Greek Valerian with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Jacob's Ladder with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Jacob's Ladder prefers bright indirect 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.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Fertilizer
The Jacob's Ladder should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Jacob's Ladder’s native range is Northern and central Europe, including Britain, to Siberia and the Caucasus.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Polemonium Genus
Polemonium occidentale Western Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium viscosum Sticky Polemonium
Polemonium foliosissimum Leafy Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium pulcherrimum Short Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium elegans Elegant Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium acutiflorum Tall Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium californicum Moving Polemonium
Polemonium reptans Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium boreale Boreal Jacob's Ladder
