Polemonium viscosum aka Sticky Polemonium

Taxonomy

Polemonium viscosum, also known as sky pilot, skunkweed, sticky Jacobs-ladder, and sticky polemonium, is a compact herbaceous perennial that is native to western North America. It can be found from southern British Columbia to Montana and south to Arizona and New Mexico, thriving at high altitudes on dry, rocky sites. This ornamental plant grows to a height of 10-30 cm and features pinnate leaves, reaching up to 15 cm in length, composed of numerous small spoon-shaped leaflets. Its vibrant purple flowers, measuring 17-25 mm in length, bloom in late spring and early summer. As a houseplant, the rare Sky Pilot requires regular watering and thrives in direct light, preferably placed within one foot of a window. It prefers soil that retains moisture well and doesn't usually require additional fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size.

Common names

Sticky Polemonium, Sticky Jacob's Ladder, Skunk Jacob's Ladder

How to care for Sticky Polemonium

Water

Sticky Polemonium should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sticky Polemonium is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Sticky Jacob's Ladder 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 Sticky 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 Sticky Polemonium with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Sticky Polemonium 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 Sticky Jacob's Ladder is always in the right place to thrive.

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 Sticky Polemonium 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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Sticky Polemonium as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia