Xanthorrhoea johnsonii , commonly known as Johnson ’s weed tree diagram , is an iconic Australian plant with a unique visual aspect and entrancing history .
While traditionally line up in the wild , this clause search the hypothesis of growing this remarkable industrial plant indoors and offer direction on how to do so successfully .
So, can you grow Xanthorrhoea johnsonii as a house plant?
In summary , it is rare to grow it as a house plant life but it can be done . I have done so but only keep it indoors in the UK in winter to protect it from cold . In that case , I continue it in a nerveless conservatory in the winter month and aim it outside again in Spring .
But note , I only had the plant for about 3 years before , ironically , I proceed to Australia I had to give the plant aside and I am not sure what go on to it after that .
Origins and indigenous uses
Xanthorrhoea johnsonii is such a beautiful and fascinating plant . It is native to eastern Australia , chiefly found in Queensland and New South Wales . The flora has deep cultural import for autochthonous Australian people , who have employ various part of the grass tree for thou of years .
Indigenous uses include :
Natural habitat and outdoor growing conditions
In its rude habitat , Xanthorrhoea johnsonii boom in the follow shape :
Likelihood of success and challenges
While it is theoretically possible to grow Xanthorrhoea johnsonii as a houseplant , it is important to interpret that the likelihood of longsighted - term success is relatively low . This is primarily due to the plant ’s specific environmental requirements and development characteristic , which are challenging to duplicate in an indoor setting .
Challenges of indoor cultivation
Success rate and expectations
Given these challenges , the achiever rate for raise Xanthorrhoea johnsonii as a long - term houseplant is comparatively down . However , with punctilious care and the right conditions , it is possible to maintain the plant indoors for several years , albeit with slower emergence than in its instinctive habitat .
Gardeners considering this plant should set naturalistic expectations :
Replicating natural conditions indoors
Despite the challenge , if you ’re dictated to produce Xanthorrhoea johnsonii as a houseplant , here ’s how to retroflex its natural condition :
Lighting
Provide shiny , collateral light for at least 6 hours day by day . send the flora near a Dixie - facing windowpane with sheer mantle to filter acute sunshine . Supplement with grow lights if necessary .
Soil and potting
employ a well - drain potting commixture formulated for succulents or cacti . tot common sand or perlite to improve drain . opt a bay window with sizable drainage holes and see using a terracotta pot to aid regulate wet levels .
I add up some mycorrizhal fungi to the potting mix when I grow the plant . To be dependable , it is hard to know if that made any remainder bearing in mind these were not specific to this plant and the types of fungus kingdom that would occur in its natural home ground .
Temperature and humidity
Maintain temperature between 15 - 30 ° vitamin C ( 59 - 86 ° farad ) . Protect the flora from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuation . While Xanthorrhoea johnsonii put up modal indoor humidity , it may benefit from episodic misting or arrangement near a humidity tray .
Watering
urine sparingly , allowing the grease to dry out out completely between watering . Reduce watering frequency during wintertime calendar month . Overwatering can lead to root rot , which is particularly damaging to this behind - develop plant .
Care and maintenance
Fertilising
Feed meagerly with a balanced , broken - long suit fertiliser during the grow time of year ( spring and summertime ) . annul over - fertilising , as Xanthorrhoea johnsonii is adapted to nutrient - miserable filth .
Pruning
Minimal pruning is required . hit dead or yellow leave at the base of the flora as needed . Be conservative when handle the flora , as the leaves can be sharp .
Repotting
Due to its dim growth pace , repotting is infrequent . When necessary , repot in spring , using a container only slightly big than the current one .
Pest and disease management
Monitor for common houseplant pests such as spider mites and mealy bug . Treat infestations readily with insecticidal soap or neem vegetable oil . guarantee estimable melodic line circulation to prevent fungal issues .
Conclusion
maturate Xanthorrhoea johnsonii as a houseplant present significant challenge and has a relatively low-toned likelihood of farseeing - term success . However , for dedicated plant enthusiasts willing to adorn time and effort into its care , it can be a rewarding and educational experience .
winner in growing Xanthorrhoea johnsonii indoors requires solitaire , measured attention to its specific needs , and a willingness to accommodate care routines . While the growing rate will be extremely slow , those who manage to maintain this industrial plant will have a classifiable and conversation - start addition to their indoor garden .
Martin Cole has been an avid plant fan and gardener for more than 20 year and loves to talk and compose about gardening . In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition . He is a fellow member of the National dahlia Society .
Xanthorrhoea johnsonii byMark Marathonis licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
He antecedently lived in London and Sydney , Australia , where he took a sheepskin course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland . He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012 . The site is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been prick by the gardening bug and want to know more .
Gardening Step by Step has beencited by Thompson and Morgan , the UK ’s largest mail order flora retail merchant , as a site that publish skilful gardening cognitive content .
Xanthorrhoea johnsonii byMark Marathonis licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Xanthorrhoea johnsonii byMark Marathonis licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
“Danaus plexippus Monarch on Xanthorrhoea johnsonii inflorescence 74 Sunbury St Geebung P1100183” byJohn Robert McPhersonis licensed underCC BY-SA 4.0
“Xanthorrhoea johnsonii in open forest Pine Ridge Conservation Park, Queensland byJohn Robert McPhersonis licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
