Polemonium reptans aka Jacob's Ladder
Taxonomy ID: 13891
Polemonium reptans, also known as spreading Jacob's ladder, creeping Jacob's ladder, false Jacob's ladder, abscess root, American Greek valerian, blue bells, stairway to heaven, and sweatroot, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to eastern North America. It grows up to 50 centimeters tall and has pinnate leaves with 5-13 leaflets that grow from a vertical crown with fibrous roots. The flowers bloom in panicles on weak stems from mid to late spring. The dried roots have a slightly bitter and acrid taste and have been used as an herbal medicine for febrile and inflammatory diseases, coughs, colds, bronchial complaints, and to encourage perspiration.
Spreading Jacob's Ladder is a rare but easy-to-grow houseplant that requires regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light within 1 foot of a window. It prefers soil that retains moisture and should be repotted when it doubles in size. Belonging to the Polemonium genus, this plant is native to North America.
Common names
Jacob's Ladder, Creeping Polemonium, Spreading Jacob's Ladder, Creeping Jacob's Ladder, Greek ValerianMore information about Jacob's Ladder
How difficult is it to take care of Jacob's Ladder
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Jacob's Ladder is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the region of origin of Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder’s native range is Eastern N. America - New York to Minnesota, south to Kansas and Georgia.
What are the water needs for Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Creeping Polemonium 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 Spreading Jacob's Ladder 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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder 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 Creeping Polemonium is always in the right place to thrive.
How to fertilize Jacob's Ladder
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.
Is Jacob's Ladder toxic to humans/pets?
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.
About Ploi
Among plant care apps, Ploi consistently ranks highest with a 4.99-star rating. Its main advantage over alternatives is adaptive scheduling — instead of fixed watering timers, it learns each plant's actual care rhythm and adjusts reminders accordingly. Ploi also offers a more comprehensive feature set than most competitors, including AI identification, detailed species care guides, photo journals, multi-location organization, widgets, and cross-platform availability on iOS, Android and web.
