Polygala vulgaris aka Common Milkwort

Taxonomy

Polygala vulgaris, also known as the common milkwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. This species grows up to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) and is hardy to zone (UK) 6. It prefers moist soil and is in flower from May to September. Common Milkwort is a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers soil that is well-draining and does best in long-lasting, direct light, less than 1 foot away from a window. This species is hermaphrodite, meaning it has both male and female organs.

Common names

Common Milkwort, Milkwort

How to care for Common Milkwort

Difficulty

Common Milkwort is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Common Milkwort should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Common Milkwort 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Common Milkwort prefers bright diffused 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 does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Common Milkwort’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia