Can copper coin grass (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) be kept in the bedroom?
Copper coin grass is native to Europe and is now widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In China it is mainly found in the provinces south of the Yangtze River, and it has a very strong spreading ability, making it an excellent groundcover plant. It prefers warmth and moisture, and is best grown in partial sun or shade, avoiding direct sunlight. It is robust by nature and easy to grow, with high ornamental value. Now let us take a look at whether copper coin grass can be kept in the bedroom!
Is copper coin grass really toxic?
Copper coin grass is not toxic. It is said that copper coin grass is one of 52 plants that can cause cancer, so is copper coin grass really toxic? In fact, copper coin grass is not toxic. Not only is it non-toxic, copper coin grass can also be used medicinally; it can be used as a medicine and has diuretic, heat-clearing and dampness-removing, and detoxifying and swelling-reducing effects. So why does such a rumor exist? The reason is that there is a plant called money grass (Lysimachia christinae), which is also known as copper coin grass, ground-lying copper coin, and so on. It is a perennial herbaceous plant and is not copper coin grass; it merely shares the same alias. What is toxic is money grass, not copper coin grass. These are two different plants. Therefore, we can grow copper coin grass with peace of mind.
Can copper coin grass be kept in the bedroom?
Copper coin grass can be kept in the bedroom. In warm regions, copper coin grass can be grown in pots outdoors, and it is suitable for water trays, aquariums, ponds, and wetlands, and for indoor water landscape greening; it can purify water quality, and the green leaves of copper coin grass can also purify indoor air, so it is beneficial to the indoor environment. At the same time, copper coin grass is regarded as a symbol of wealth and also signifies good feng shui. However, copper coin grass should not be kept in the bedroom for a long time; this grass very much likes dew and mist, and over a long period it will wither.
How to grow copper coin grass
1. Soil: Copper coin grass is not strict about soil. It can grow in yellow soil, red soil, or black soil, and even in poor soil. However, its drought resistance is not strong, and it is best suited to fine, slightly acidic, moist, low-fertility loam. It is suitable for fertile, loose soil with high water absorption and good water retention, and it can also be cultivated on moist riverbanks, in marshes, in grassland, or in low-hardness fresh water. The growing medium can be prepared by mixing leaf mold, river mud, and garden soil in a ratio of 5:2:2.
2. Light: Copper coin grass is shade-tolerant and does best in partial sun or shade. It dislikes strong direct sunlight, and the more shady the environment, the more easily the plant's leaves rot. Copper coin grass does not compete for light, but if it receives 4 to 6 hours of scattered light every day, or is given 8 to 10 hours of artificial light, it will grow even better.
3. Temperature: Copper coin grass likes a warm, humid environment but is not cold-tolerant. It grows well at temperatures of 10 to 25°C. When the summer temperature rises above 32°C, it stops growing, and in winter the temperature must not be lower than 5°C.
4. Fertilizing: Copper coin grass has a relatively high demand for fertilizer. During the vigorous growth stage, apply fertilizer once every 2 to 3 weeks. If grown in a pot or container, only a small amount of fertilizer is needed, such as the quick-acting fertilizer Huabao No. 2, which can maintain its fertilizing effect in water for a relatively long time; just ensure the water quality is slightly acidic or neutral.
5. Watering: Copper coin grass likes a relatively moist growing environment. Because it has many leaves and a high transpiration rate, in summer it should be sprayed with water frequently to maintain relatively high air humidity, and the leaves should be kept clean to facilitate photosynthesis. In winter, the potting soil should preferably be on the dry side. Water according to the principle of preferring wet over dry, and avoid waterlogging, otherwise the roots are prone to rot. Tap water in the north should be exposed to the sun and left to stand for 1 to 2 days before use. During the growing period, water once every 2 to 3 days to keep the potting soil moist. For water culture, change the water once every 7 to 10 days in spring and summer, and once every half month in autumn and winter. If growing in water, be sure to change the water once a week and add a special nutrient solution for foliage plants. If using soil culture, be sure to retain water for the long term. Water once every morning; do not use too much water, just enough that water flows out of the bottom holes, ensuring the potting soil is thoroughly moistened.
6. Pests and diseases: Copper coin grass has very few pests and diseases. It has strong growth adaptability and needs no deliberate care. After being grown for a period of time, copper coin grass will fill the entire container. Often spray water on the leaf surface to wash the leaves and keep them green and glossy. After the growth becomes dense, attention should be paid to ventilation, otherwise the plant is prone to yellowing.