Veronica polita aka Gray Field Speedwell

Taxonomy

Veronica polita, also known as grey field-speedwell, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae family. Its stems are hairy and it has dull green leaves that are wider than they are long, with serrated edges and a rounded shape. The plant produces small, bright blue flowers and has axillary peduncles that are shorter or slightly longer than the leaves. It is native to Eurasia, including the British Isles, western Asia, northern Africa, and North America, but has spread worldwide as a weed of cultivation. It is susceptible to downy mildew disease caused by Peronospora agrestis. The plant is named after Saint Veronica due to the markings on some species resembling her sacred handkerchief. Veronica polita is an annual plant that grows up to 0.3m and blooms from March to October. It prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and cannot grow in the shade. To remove patches of speedwell, use a gel or ready-to-use spray containing glyphosate, such as Roundup or SBM Job done General Purpose Weedkiller. Gray Field Speedwell is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and thrives in direct light less than 1 foot from a window. When repotting, make sure to use well-draining soil and fertilizers are not necessary if the plant is repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Gray Field Speedwell, Grey Field Speedwell, Wayside Speedwell

How to care for Gray Field Speedwell

Difficulty

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

Water

Gray Field Speedwell should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Gray Field Speedwell 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 Gray Field Speedwell 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

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Gray Field Speedwell is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Gray Field Speedwell’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia