Texas buttonweed

oldenlandia corymbosa

Also known as: ["Buttonweed","Texas buttonweed"]

Family: Rubiaceae Genus: Oldenlandia Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A low-growing, spreading herbaceous plant with small white flowers, often found in disturbed areas and lawns.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Oldenlandia
Botanical Name: Oldenlandia corymbosa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a warm, sunny area or container in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • 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 high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on growth habit.
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; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warmth.

Avoid drafts; maintain consistent warmth; protect from extreme fluctuations.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

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.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot, ensuring good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; reduce watering in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse tools after use.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Oldenlandia corymbosa may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and vigor.

Wilting in Oldenlandia corymbosa can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogen attack, impairing the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure and nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Oldenlandia corymbosa are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic capacity and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Oldenlandia corymbosa due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Oldenlandia corymbosa is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented reports of toxic effects in felines after ingestion of this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats exposed to Oldenlandia corymbosa.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Oldenlandia corymbosa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines following ingestion of this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs exposed to Oldenlandia corymbosa.
Humans
Non-toxic

Oldenlandia corymbosa is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It has not been documented to cause adverse physiological impacts when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for human handling or consumption of Oldenlandia corymbosa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Oldenlandia corymbosa toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Oldenlandia corymbosa spread?

A: It spreads primarily through seeds and vegetative growth.

Q: Is Oldenlandia corymbosa suitable for lawns?

A: It is often considered a weed in lawns due to its aggressive spreading habit.

Quick Reference
Family: Rubiaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers"]
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