Eyebright
euphrasia hirtella
Also known as: ["Euphrasia hirtella","Eyebright"]
Overview
A small, herbaceous plant known for its small white or purplish flowers and traditional use in herbal medicine for eye ailments.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Euphrasia |
| Botanical Name: | Euphrasia hirtella |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or indoor pot with indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but allow excess to drain; avoid waterlogging; maintain consistent moisture in growing season.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Ensure soil is loose and airy; avoid heavy clay mixes; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C); tolerates mild fluctuations.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain stable conditions during flowering.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or weak stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/weak stems, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for fresh soil and root health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water sparingly post-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; ensure even saturation without pooling; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for acidity; use orchid bark for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing in overly warm conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging; move to a cooler spot.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEuphrasia hirtella is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of poisoning in felines from ingestion of this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicEuphrasia hirtella is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of poisoning in canines from ingestion of this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicEuphrasia hirtella is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used in traditional medicine for its mild therapeutic properties, particularly in eye preparations, without significant toxic effects.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Euphrasia hirtella toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: What are the traditional uses of Eyebright?
A: It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat eye infections and inflammation.
Q: How difficult is it to grow Euphrasia hirtella?
A: It requires moderate care and specific growing conditions, making it moderately challenging for cultivation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
