Carpetweed

mollugo verticillata

Also known as: ["Indian Chickweed","Shiny Chickweed"]

Family: Molluginaceae Genus: Mollugo Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A low-growing, mat-forming annual weed with whorled leaves and small white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Molluginaceae
Genus: Mollugo
Botanical Name: Mollugo verticillata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in open, sunny area
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
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; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but may stretch in low light.

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 to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

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

Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

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

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); adaptable but thrives in moderate warmth with slight cooling in winter.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain moderate warmth year-round.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings root easily in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Keep moist.
  5. Wait for roots.

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

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water; perlite or sand can improve drainage.

Hormone

Not necessary but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 1–3 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; remove dead or damaged growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth and spent stems to maintain compact shape and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune selectively; remove dead growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

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; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

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 evenly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging the soil; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.

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

Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure proper aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; leaf drop in prolonged stress.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts below 50°F (10°C); prolonged cold can cause root damage or death.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; protect from frost.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in excessive heat; growth may become leggy.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Mollugo verticillata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Mollugo verticillata is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced growth and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Mollugo verticillata may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Mollugo verticillata if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Mollugo verticillata is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Mollugo verticillata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts when ingested by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, monitor your dog if they consume large quantities of any plant material to prevent potential gastrointestinal upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Mollugo verticillata, commonly known as green carpetweed, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting wild plants unless properly identified and confirmed safe for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Carpetweed harmful to pets?

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

Q: How does Carpetweed spread?

A: It spreads via seeds and can quickly colonize bare soil.

Q: Is Carpetweed suitable for lawns?

A: It can be invasive in lawns but is often considered a nuisance weed.

Quick Reference
Family: Molluginaceae
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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