Maintaining Optimal Indoor Growth for Euonymus as a Domestic Houseplant
Maintaining Optimal Indoor Growth for Euonymus as a Domestic Houseplant
Euonymus is a vast collection of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Among these, the commonly planted 'burning bush' is just one of its members. Despite their versatility, many euonymus species are harmful to pets, such as cats and dogs, in large quantities. They contain alkaloids that can result in symptoms like an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Types of Euonymus for Indoor Cultivation
When selecting a euonymus for indoor houseplants, consider an evergreen variety. The Japanese spindle plant (E. japonicus) and golden euonymus (E. japonicus ‘Aureo-marginatus’) are popular and widely available.
Japanese Spindle Plant
Originating from Japan and Korea, Japanese euonymus (E. japonicus) are evergreen shrubs that thrive in modest indoor spaces. Despite their tall and slender characteristics outdoors, they can be maintained in a compact form inside the house. Japanese euonymus are also adaptable for large urns and planters outside, where they can be pruned to create structured-looking evergreens.
Golden Euonymus
Resembling the Japanese euonymus, but sporting yellow variegated leaves, this shrub is tough and responds well to pruning, making it an excellent candidate for becoming a houseplant. The golden hues on the leaves provide striking contrast and add vibrancy to the generally green landscape of indoor houseplants.
Indoor Care Tips for Euonymus
Euonymus are relatively low-maintenance houseplants that can withstand a bit of neglect. They are less fussy than plants like fiddle-leaf figs or orchids. To keep a euonymus healthy, place it in a sunny window and water it only when the soil dries out. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its compact size for indoor spaces.
Light
Euonymus plants can tolerate different light conditions, from full sun to shade, but they prefer bright, indirect light. To provide your euonymus with the ideal light source, locate it near a south-facing window in the northern part of the U.S., or move it to an east window if it requires more intense sunlight during the winter. If the plant is not getting enough light, using a grow light on a timer can help maintain its vigor.
Soil and Water
Euonymus are tolerant of various soil types as long as the soil is well-drained. Use standard potting soil when growing euonymus indoors, but ensure the pot has functioning drainage holes. Fertilize the plant during the growing season with water-based fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer, but reduce both fertilizing and watering during the winter months, as the plant slows down growth due to reduced day length.
Selecting a Pot
Choose a pot for euonymus plants that is appropriate for their size, starting with a 6-inch pot for smaller plants. When transitioning from a nursery pot to a permanent pot, select a pot one inch larger in both diameter and depth. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and a saucer to catch runoff water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do deer eat euonymus?A: Outdoor euonymus plants can be a target for deer in some areas, particularly during the summer months. To protect your euonymus from deer, consider growing it as an indoor houseplant.
Q: How often should container-grown euonymus be repotted?A: Euonymus plants typically need to be repotted annually, or even every other year, as they grow rapidly. When repotting, select a pot one size larger than the previous pot to accommodate their growth.
Q: Can euonymus be propagated from cuttings?A: Yes, Japanese spindle plant and golden euonymus can be propagated using cuttings taken during the summer months. Apply rooting hormone to the cutting, place it in a moist potting mix, and cover it with a humidity dome. The cutting should root within 4 to 6 weeks.
- For those interested in adding euonymus houseplants to their indoor collection, the Japanese spindle plant and the golden euonymus are excellent options due to their low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in various light conditions. [Houseplants, Japanese spindle plant, golden euonymus]
- Gardeners who enjoy caring for houseplants may find the versatility of euonymus vines appealing, as they can be pruned to maintain a compact size suitable for indoor spaces while still providing vibrant colors like those found in the golden euonymus. [Caring for Houseplants, Euonymus Vines]
- While it's essential to research euonymus species before bringing them into the home, gardening enthusiasts can often find popular varieties such as the Japanese spindle plant and golden euonymus at trusted sources like Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) for easy cultivation as houseplants. [Gardening, Japanese spindle plant, Golden Euonymus, BHG]