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Variegated horsetail

Equisetum variegatum · Equisetaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant variegated horsetail: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, jointed stem green and white variegated
Adult size
15 to 40 cm in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -20°C)
Origin
Temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Soil type
Moist to very moist, well-drained, slightly acidic
Exposure
Bright light, part shade to shade

Care

Regular watering

Variegated horsetail loves moist environments and must never dry out completely. Keep the soil constantly moist, even waterlogged depending on natural conditions. In pots, check moisture regularly and water abundantly in spring and summer. In winter, reduce slightly but don't let it dry out.

Bright exposure

Install this ancient fern in bright light to part shade. It tolerates full shade well but remains more compact and variegated with more light. Avoid direct hot sun which can dry out the delicate foliage.

Cleaning and cutting back

No real pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged stems as needed. In late winter or early spring, you can cut back lightly to encourage dense, well-branched growth.

Suitable substrate

Choose soil rich in organic matter, light and humus-based. A mix of peat, leaf mold and fine sand works well. The soil must remain permeable while retaining moisture without becoming sticky.

Moderate feeding

Horsetail is not demanding in nutrients. A light application of balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring-summer) is more than enough. Avoid excess nitrogen which would dilute the variegation.

Health and prevention

Very robust, this horsetail resists common diseases well. Watch for excessive moisture which could promote root rot if the substrate drains poorly. Ventilate regularly and avoid prolonged standing water in pots.

Did you know?

Variegated horsetail belongs to an extremely ancient plant family: Equisetaceae dominated Carboniferous forests over 300 million years ago, long before dinosaurs appeared. These fascinating plants are living fossils, lacking true flowers and reproducing by spores, just like ferns. Their distinctive vertical silhouette, typically Asian in style, makes them a highly prized ornamental plant for shade gardening and moist rock gardens.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.