Toxicodendron pubescens aka Poison Ivy

Taxonomy

Toxicodendron pubescens, also known as Atlantic poison oak or Rhus pubescens, is a dioecious perennial that grows as a forb/herb, shrub, or subshrub. It can grow up to 10 feet in height, but is more commonly 2-4 feet. The species is native to the Southeastern United States from Virginia westward to Texas and Oklahoma. The leaves are 15 centimeters long, alternate, with three leaflets on each, and usually resemble white oak leaves. The leaflets are hairy and variable in size and shape and turn yellow or orange in autumn. The fruit is small, round, and yellowish or greenish. It is not closely related to true oaks. While Atlantic Poison Oak is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive, it is extremely dangerous if consumed. It likes soil that is well-draining and should be less than 1 foot from a window in long-lasting, direct light. If you repot each time it doubles in size, your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers.

Common names

Poison Ivy, Eastern Poison Oak, Atlantic Poison Oak

How to care for Poison Ivy

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Poison Ivy, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

Poison Ivy 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 Poison Ivy 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 Poison Ivy 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

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


More info:
Wikipedia