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How to Grow and Care for Epimedium

Photo by Nennieinszweidrei on Pixabay

Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, bishop’s hat, and fairy cap, is a genus of about 50 species of evergreen parasitic plants. They are native to temperate regions throughout the world. They grow on the roots of other plants without directly digesting anything from those roots. Instead, they take all their nutrients from the soil via their own surface leave pores. As a horticulturalist and lover of all things weird and wonderful when it comes to plants, I find Epimedium fascinating. Cultivated Epimediums can be grown as indoor houseplants or outdoor groundcovers that thrive in partial shade with lots of moisture. Read on to learn more about growing and caring for Epimedium.

What Is Epimedium?
Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, bishop’s hat, and fairy cap, is a genus of about 50 species of evergreen parasitic plants. They are native to temperate regions throughout the world. They grow on the roots of other plants without directly digesting anything from those roots. Instead, they take all their nutrients from the soil via their own surface leave pores. As a horticulturalist and lover of all things weird and wonderful when it comes to plants, I find Epimedium fascinating. Cultivated Epimediums can be grown as indoor houseplants or outdoor groundcovers that thrive in partial shade with lots of moisture. Read on to learn more about growing and caring for Epimedium.

How to Grow Epimedium
Epimedium plants like to be kept in small pots with a rich, organic potting soil that is kept moist but not soggy. During the growing season, the soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. In the fall, water less frequently. Most Epimediums prefer full sun to partial shade. Light shade is okay for some species, as long as they are kept moist. If you’re not sure what species you have, it’s best to give it plenty of bright light. Most Epimediums thrive at a temperature range of 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 16 Celsius). If you’re growing them outdoors, a covering of leaves or a blanket can be helpful. Epimediums are not very picky about their soil pH, but they do appreciate compost or mulch added to the top of the soil around the plants to keep them warm.

Caring for Epimedium
Epimediums are easy to care for, but they do have a few specific needs. Give your plants a balanced fertilizer every spring, and water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep them out of drafts and away from sources of heat. If you notice a yellowing or dropping of leaves, your plant may be getting too much or too little water. You can also use a liquid fertilizer to help keep your plant healthy. If you notice aphids or whiteflies on your plant, clean it off with a strong stream of water from a hose. If you notice any wilting, drooping, or yellowing of leaves, check the roots to see if they are rotting. If they are, you will have to repot your plant or you risk killing it. If your plant is growing but not flowering, you may be able to induce flowering by withholding water for a period of time.

When Something is Wrong
If your Epimedium looks wilted and droopy with wilting leaves, it may be getting too little water. If the leaves are yellowing, it may be getting too much water. Make sure your plant’s soil is not soggy, and water it if it is dry. If you notice aphids or whiteflies on your plant, clean it off with a strong stream of water from a hose. If you notice any wilting, drooping, or yellowing of leaves, check the roots to see if they are rotting. If they are, you will have to repot your plant or you risk killing it. If your plant is growing but not flowering, you may be able to induce flowering by withholding water for a period of time.
House Plant Gardening
Repotting and Root Rot
If you repot every year or every other year, you will help your plant stay healthy. When repotting, check the roots to see if they are rotting. If they are, you will need to cut out the bad parts. If you see black or brown roots, your plant probably has root rot. Root rot is caused by excess moisture around the roots, so you will need to repot your plant in dryer soil and water less frequently. If you do not repot your plant, it will die, so don’t let it get to this point! If you see any signs of disease, cut off the affected area immediately. If your plant has a disease that infects the stem, you will have to cut off the entire plant and dispose of the infected part carefully. Diseases that affect Epimedium include leaf spots, bacterial wilts, and rust.

Conclusion
If you love unusual plants, Epimedium is the perfect addition to your collection! These plants are easy to care for, and they can thrive indoors as well as outdoors. If you’re like me and enjoy weird and wonderful plants, you will love Epimedium!