Eyelash Flower
The Eyelash Flower (Blepharopsis mendica) is a succulent perennial native to dry areas of the Mediterranean basin. It features long, slender, bluish-green stems with woody bases. It has fleshy, green-gray leaves with finger-like appendages growing along the edge of each one. Small yellow flowers appear at the tip of the stems in the early summer months. This drought-tolerant plant can grow up to 3 ft (90 cm) and usually survives indoors for several years with proper care.
Eyelash Flowers are relatively drought-tolerant, and they should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. During the warm summer months, water the plant thoroughly about once a week, ensuring that the soil has dried out completely before the next watering. In winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks. Over-watering or allowing the pot to sit in water can cause root rot and other issues that can be difficult to repair.
Eyelash Flowers prefer full sun, however, they can tolerate and even thrive in partial shade. When grown indoors, they do best when placed in a bright location that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much shade or too much direct sunlight could cause the plant to suffer. Moving the plant outdoors in the summer is also suggested for the health of the plant.
The Eyelash Flower is comfortable in temperatures between 50°F and 90°F (10°C – 32°C). In the summer, the plant prefers to be kept slightly cooler during the night. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below this range as it may result in transplant shock and loss of foliage.
The Eyelash Flower prefers a relative humidity of at least 40%; however, it is nestled to average house humidity. Avoid placing the pot in a frequently used area such as a kitchen, as this can create too much dryness in the air. Regular misting will help with humidity levels.
The Eyelash Flower requires a soil that offers good drainage. A well-balanced cactus potting mix containing perlite, peat moss, and sand makes an excellent medium for this succulent. It's important to use a specialized cactus potting mix because regular potting soil can retain too much moisture, which can result in root rot.
Fertilization every two to three months is recommended for the Eyelash Flower. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, used at half strength can be applied during the active growth period. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can burn the plant's roots and cause it to suffer.
The Eyelash Flower is not prone to pests, but if the plant is stressed or improperly cared for, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can be attracted to it. To prevent these pests from appearing and damaging the plant, it's important to provide the correct environment in terms of temperature, lighting, and humidity. If pests do appear, they can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in Isopropyl alcohol. Insecticidal sprays may also be used to eliminate pests.
The Eyelash Flower does not need to be repotted every year, but should be repotted every two to three years to encourage new growth and keep the soil fresh. When repotting, use a cactus potting mix to provide adequate drainage. Before repotting, trim off any dead leaves and stems for a neat, tidy look.
The Eyelash Flower should be pruned regularly to promote bushier growth and an attractive shape. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to snip away dead leaves and stems at the base of the plant. Pruning will also help to prevent the stems from becoming too lengthy and falling over.
Mulching is not recommended for the Eyelash Flower; however, if you want to add a bit of organic matter to the soil, a cactus potting mix should be used. Adding too much mulch may result in soil that is too moist, leading to root rot.
The Eyelash Flower can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings that are about 10 cm (4 inches) long and remove any dead leaves and stems. Plant the cuttings in cactus potting mix and place them in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist and the cuttings should root in about 6 to 8 weeks.
The Eyelash Flower does not require a support to hold up its branches. However, if you are growing this plant in an area that gets too much direct sunlight, you may want to use a larger pot and add stakes to help support the stems as they grow taller.
The Eyelash Flower does not require a true rest period, as it can remain in active growth year round. In the winter months, reduce watering slightly to replicate a dormant state. Keep in mind that Eyelash Flowers will not flower if they are over-watered.
The Eyelash Flower is not toxic to pets, making it safe to have around household animals.
American Pasqueflower
American pasqueflower, also known as windflower, is a deciduous perennial wildflower native to North America. It is a member of the Anemone genus of f...
American Bellflower
American Bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum) is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. They are native to North Am...
Bat Flower
The bat flower (Tacca chantrieri), also known as the Cat's Whiskers Plant, is an exotic and non-traditional plant species. Its flowers feature furry w...
Black Bat Flower
The Black Bat Flower, otherwise known as Tacca integrifolia, is a peculiar flowering plant which is native to South East Asia. It is a perenniel speci...
Blanket Flower
A Blanket flower, also known as Gaillardia spp., is a hardy flowering plant with a variety of visually striking colors. Blooming from late spring thro...
Blue Dawn Flower
Blue Dawn Flower or Ipomoea indica is a stunning evergreen perennial vine that can easily climb up to 25 feet in height. It's native to South East Asi...