Symphyotrichum cordifolium aka Beeweed

Taxonomy

Symphyotrichum cordifolium, also known as common blue wood aster, heartleaf aster, and blue wood-aster, is a clump-forming perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to central and eastern North America, this plant can reach heights of up to 1.2 meters (4 feet). It features dark green leaves and produces open, arching sprays of small, lavender-blue daisy-like flowers, which bloom in late summer and autumn. Beeweed, belonging to the Symphyotrichum genus, is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow. It thrives with regular watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light, ideally being positioned less than 1 foot from a window. Well-draining soil is essential for Beeweed's optimal growth. Repotting the plant each time it doubles in size eliminates the need for additional fertilizers. Beeweed is native to Canada and the United States.

Common names

Beeweed, Blue Wood Aster, Common Blue Heart Leaf Aster, Common Blue Wood Aster, Heartleaf Aster

How to care for Beeweed

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Beeweed due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Beeweed 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

Beeweed thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Common Blue Wood Aster.

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 Beeweed 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

Beeweed grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia