Ranunculus aconitifolius aka Aconite Leaf Buttercup

Taxonomy

Ranunculus aconitifolius, also known as the aconite-leaf buttercup or bachelor's buttons, is a rare flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae that is native to central Europe. This herbaceous perennial can grow up to 60 cm (24 in) high by 40 cm (16 in) broad and has slightly hairy palmate leaves that resemble those of the related genus Aconitum, the monkshoods. It forms clumps, sometimes large colonies in moist places in mountains, meadows, edges of ditches, and streams. In spring, it produces loose panicles of white, saucer-shaped flowers. The double-flowered cultivar R. aconitifolius 'Flore Pleno' (fair maids of France, fair maids of Kent) has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. As a houseplant, the Aconite-Leaf Buttercup requires regular watering and thrives in direct light less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and doesn't require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Aconite Leaf Buttercup, White Crowfoot, Aconite Leaved Buttercup, Bachelor's Buttons

How to care for Aconite Leaf Buttercup

Difficulty

Aconite Leaf Buttercup presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Aconite Leaf Buttercup should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Aconite Leaf Buttercup, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Aconite Leaved Buttercup is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Aconite Leaf Buttercup will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Aconite Leaf Buttercup 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.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Aconite Leaf Buttercup to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Aconite Leaf Buttercup has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia