Polemonium reptans aka Jacob's Ladder

Taxonomy

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

How to care for Jacob's Ladder

Difficulty

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.

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 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.

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 Eastern N. America - New York to Minnesota, south to Kansas and Georgia.


More info:
Wikipedia