Spiraea alba aka White Meadowsweet

Taxonomy

Spiraea alba, also known as meadowsweet, white meadowsweet, narrowleaf meadowsweet, pale bridewort, or pipestem, is a shrub native to the Allegheny Mountains and other parts of eastern North America. However, it is currently endangered in Missouri and has been naturalized in other regions of the world. The plant can grow up to 8 feet in height and has glossy yellow-green leaves that are oblong or lance-shaped with toothed edges. Its twigs are tough and yellowish brown, and it has golden yellow fall foliage. Meadowsweet is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and prefers long-lasting direct light. It grows best in soil that retains moisture and does not require added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. The plant belongs to the Spiraea genus and is native to North America.

Common names

White Meadowsweet, Meadowsweet, Pale Bridewort

How to care for White Meadowsweet

Difficulty

White Meadowsweet requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

White Meadowsweet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your White Meadowsweet is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the White Meadowsweet 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 cold period, it is common for White Meadowsweet to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

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.

Fertilizer

The White Meadowsweet should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

White Meadowsweet’s native range is North-eastern N. America - Ontario to New York, North Carolina, Saskatchewan, Indiana and Missouri.


More info:
Wikipedia