Silphium perfoliatum aka Cup Plant
Taxonomy
Silphium perfoliatum, commonly known as the cup plant or cup-plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. Native to eastern and central North America, this upright perennial can reach heights of up to 2.5m. It features triangular toothed leaves that are joined around the stem, giving it the specific epithet perfoliatum, meaning "through the leaf." In late summer, branched sprays of bright yellow daisies, measuring 7-9cm wide, adorn the plant. Cup Plant prefers well-draining soil and thrives in long-lasting, direct light, ideally positioned within 1 foot of a window. As a houseplant, it is considered super rare and is relatively easy to grow, requiring regular watering. Repotting is recommended each time the plant doubles in size, eliminating the need for added fertilizers. Native to the Southeastern United States, Cup Plant belongs to the Silphium genus.
Common names
Cup Plant, Indian Gum, Indian Cup Plant, Cupleaf Rosinweed, Squarestem RosinweedHow to care for Cup Plant
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Cup Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Cup Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Cup Plant 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 Cup Plant 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
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 Cup Plant 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.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Cup Plant’s native range is Eastern N. America - Ontario to South Dakota, south to Georgia, Missouri and Oklahoma.
More info:
Wikipedia
