Pyramid Filago

filago pyramidata

Also known as: ["Pyramid Cudweed","Pyramid Fleabane"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Filago Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, annual herbaceous plant with dense, pyramid-shaped flower heads and woolly leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Filago
Botanical Name: Filago pyramidata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°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, sandy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or every 2–3 months.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains in extreme heat; avoid direct sun during peak hours.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

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

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with gravel for extra drainage.

Temperature

Prefers warm to hot conditions (65–90°F/18–32°C); thrives in arid environments.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a low-nitrogen formula for flowering plants.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
  2. Let it callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep humid and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; 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 spent flowers.

Tools

Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or leggy growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

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

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.

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 a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or death; susceptible to frost.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; use frost cloth or indoor heating in cold climates; ensure soil dries quickly to prevent cold-induced rot.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can scorch leaves, cause dehydration, or lead to heat stress, reducing vigor.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but infrequently to avoid water stress.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; water before applying.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Filago pyramidata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogen infestation, though specific causes are not well-documented.

Wilting in Filago pyramidata can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogenic infections, potentially leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and plant vigor.

Leaf spots in Filago pyramidata may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Filago pyramidata is often associated with excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, which can lead to plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Filago pyramidata is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

not applicable

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Filago pyramidata is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

not applicable

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Filago pyramidata is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

not applicable

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Filago pyramidata toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does this plant require much care?

A: No, it is very low maintenance and highly tolerant of harsh conditions.

Q: Does Filago pyramidata attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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