Trillium cuneatum aka Little Sweet Betsy
Taxonomy
Trillium cuneatum, also known as little sweet betsy, whip-poor-will flower, large toadshade, purple toadshade, and bloody butcher, is a species of flowering plant in the Melanthiaceae family. It is a member of the Trillium cuneatum complex, the largest of the eastern sessile-flowered trilliums, and is native to the southeastern United States. This perennial plant thrives in rich soils in mostly upland woods, particularly limestone soils but also at less calcareous sites, and can be found at elevations of 50-400 m (160-1,310 ft). Trillium cuneatum has three broad, mottled leaves surrounding a sessile, banana-scented flower with erect petals that can be maroon, bronze, green, or yellow in color. It typically flowers from early March to late April, depending on latitude. Wake Robin, a super rare houseplant that belongs to the Trillium genus, is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers abundant sunlight and soil that is well draining. Fertilizers are not necessary if the plant is repotted each time it doubles in size. Wake Robin is also native to the Southeastern United States.
Common names
Little Sweet Betsy, Cuneate Trillium, Bloody ButcherHow to care for Little Sweet Betsy
Difficulty
Little Sweet Betsy presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Little Sweet Betsy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Little Sweet Betsy 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 Little Sweet Betsy 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.
Toxicity
Little Sweet Betsy is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Little Sweet Betsy is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
Little Sweet Betsy grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Trillium Genus
Trillium catesbaei Bashful Wakerobin
Trillium flexipes Nodding Trillium
Trillium foetidissimum Mississippi River Wakerobin
Trillium recurvatum Bloody Butcher
Trillium angustipetalum Narrowpetal Wakerobin
Trillium undulatum Paint Trillium
Trillium ovatum Pacific Trillium
Trillium grandiflorum Great White Trillium
Trillium erectum Bethroot
