Ruscus hypoglossum aka Spineless Butcher's Broom

Taxonomy

Ruscus hypoglossum, commonly known as spineless butcher's-broom, mouse thorn, and horse tongue lily, is a super rare houseplant derived from the forests of Europe. The evergreen shrub grows to a maximum height of 3 feet, forming a neat mound with sharp spines on the tips of each leaf. In spring, small, plain flowers will bloom, followed by bright red, waxy berries that ripen anytime between late summer and winter. Spineless butcher's-broom does best in abundant sunlight and well-draining soil that doesn't usually require added fertilizers when repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Spineless Butcher's Broom

How to care for Spineless Butcher's Broom

Difficulty

Caring for Spineless Butcher's Broom is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Spineless Butcher's Broom should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spineless Butcher's Broom 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

Spineless Butcher's Broom 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 Spineless Butcher's Broom 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 Spineless Butcher's Broom grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia