Lesser Chickweed
stellaria graminea
Also known as: ["Common Chickweed","Small Chickweed"]
Overview
A delicate, herbaceous annual or biennial plant with small, star-shaped white flowers and narrow leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Stellaria |
| Botanical Name: | Stellaria graminea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or outdoor garden bed in a partially shaded area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, removing up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to prevent scorching. Place in filtered sunlight or dappled shade outdoors; indoors, keep near an east or north-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid direct midday sun; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions but avoids extreme heat.
Keep away from drafty areas; shield from intense heat; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid until rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or perlite and peat moss mixture.
Hormone
Optional, but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or leggy stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot. Young plants may need repotting more frequently.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturating the soil. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency during active growth in spring and summer; reduce in fall and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a heat source if necessary; avoid drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in temperatures above 85°F (29°C), especially with low humidity.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and water more frequently without overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicStellaria graminea is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic substances that would cause harm to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicStellaria graminea is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in this plant that would pose a significant health risk to canines if ingested or if they come into contact with it.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicStellaria graminea, commonly known as lesser chickweed, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is not known to produce any significant toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Stellaria graminea edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and stems are edible and can be used in salads or as a cooked green.
Q: Does this plant attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees and other pollinators with its small white flowers.
Q: How does this plant spread?
A: It spreads via seeds and can also propagate vegetatively through stems that root at the nodes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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