Ranunculus buttercup

coleostephus myconis

Also known as: ["Ranunculus myconis","Ranunculus pygmaeus"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Coleostephus Category: Flowers

Overview

A small annual plant in the buttercup family, known for its bright yellow flowers and delicate foliage.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Coleostephus
Botanical Name: Coleostephus myconis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning after flowering; major pruning in late winter or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details

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

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun during peak hours.

Watering

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

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

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

Use raised beds for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but may struggle in extreme heat.

Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering; protect from sudden temperature shifts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize sparingly to avoid overfeeding; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 8–12 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

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

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape as desired; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh soil with good drainage.

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; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wet foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

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

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

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

Solution: Provide frost protection; move potted plants indoors; use mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

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

Wilting in Coleostephus myconis can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Coleostephus myconis may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Coleostephus myconis due to excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Coleostephus myconis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic substances that would harm felines upon ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

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

Coleostephus myconis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that this plant poses a risk to canine health when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

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

Coleostephus myconis is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is a flowering plant that does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Coleostephus myconis toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Coleostephus myconis?

A: Water sparingly, as it is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Q: Does Coleostephus myconis attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its bright yellow flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Ground Clematis
View
Alpine Anemone
View
White Virgin's Bower
View
Snowdrop Anemone
View