Lesson Two: 

Lesson Objectives: 

•  To show students the complex nature of caring for plants
• · For students to be able to engage in a discussion with fellow witches and wizards about the necessities of plant life
• · To give students an appreciation for the use of Herbology in Potions

Introduction: The basics of Herbology is to understanding that each plant has its own unique requirements as well as special qualities. Some of it is common sense (ex: the Morphanous Cacti will not grow next to the ocean, just as the Aquaigus Root would not grow in a dry desert) some not so much, like "Why isn't my plant growing?". This lesson is on the value of planting, repotting and its significance, food and sunlight, watering, habitats, and lifespan.

Things to consider while planting: Do not confuse a plant. When planting: what type of soil the plant requires, the depth the seed should be planted, as well as how much water and sunlight the plant needs access to. All this makes a plant's identity. 

Repotting: A very special stage, like a rite of passage. The plant itself will enjoy the freshness of a new pot, and the larger size tends to boost a plant's confidence, and some may boast their appetites, others the opposite. Most plants, however, require the same amount of light and water (do not take lightly). 

Habitat: Habitats mean controversy for Herbologists. Many plants have left their native lands and adapted to new habitats, which can be disruptive to the cycle of life. Habitats acceptable for growth tend to revolve around what amount of sunlight and water plants in the region have access to, although the temperature of the climate is also a factor.

Lifespan: Lifespan is a delicate topic. If you d not cut a plant's life short for medicinal or experimental uses, they can live between three to five thousands year. Trees tend to have the longest lifespans, however cacti and guapo herbs also have lengthy lives.

Dreamless sleep potion: In such potion, both moonstone and starpuffs are present. Moonstone is a broken piece of hatched dragon's egg while starpuffs are plants. However, both are named for their relation to sleep and the night. Moonstones cause drowsiness, and starpuffs make sleep dreamless. While eaten alive they produce hypnotic qualities. Without starpuffs,  the user wouldn't have an inability to think, which is vital to the process of dreamless sleep. Distraction is vital to dreaming. Other than moonstone, the realm of sleep is mostly controlled by plants, such as infusions of wormwood, powdered root of asphodel, which together cause a potion so powerful it is called the Draught of the Living Dead.

Other Uses in Potions: Plants are used to add scent to perfumes, and other times plants are added to a potion in order to add freshness or qualities of naturally to a beauty potion. In medicinal potions, plant ingredients are usually chosen based on their temperament, toxicity, and other properties of their identity. 

Forgetfulness Potion:  Two of the main ingredients in this potion are Mistletoe berries and Valerian sprigs. Mistletoe berries cause hallucinations which helps with distraction for the potion taker, and also memory loss. Valerian sprigs have a sedative quality.  

Reading to do (plants): 

• Asphodel
• Fluxweed
• Lovage 
• Motherwort 
• Nettle
• Nux Myristica 
• Peppermint
• Silverweed 
• Snakeweed
• Mistletoe and Mistletoe berries 
• Wolfsbane/monkshood/aconite
• Valerian Sprigs
• Leaping Toadstool
• Knotgrass 
• Root of Aconite 
•  Poppy Heads
• Shrivelfigs
• Rose Thorns
• Rose Oil