Rock Phagnalon
phagnalon rupestre
Also known as: ["Rock Phagnalon","Stone Phagnalon"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to rocky habitats, characterized by its small, yellow flowers and silvery foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Phagnalon |
| Botanical Name: | Phagnalon rupestre |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or containers in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, well-draining soil with some organic matter
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun to avoid scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; place outdoors in spring/summer, indoors near a south-facing window in winter.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct midday sun in summer; use sheer curtains if indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, rocky or sandy soil with low organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
Use a cactus mix as base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a cactus-specific fertilizer for best results.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
- Let it callus for a few days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist but not waterlogged.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (60–70%), indirect light
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and cactus soil
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 pot, perlite, cactus soil
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; avoid overwatering; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth; shape as needed.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/leggy stems; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins
Pot Size
One size up; no more than 2 inches larger in diameter
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; avoid overpotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; remove excess water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in extreme heat; stunted growth or yellowing in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may suffer root rot in cold, wet soil; vulnerable to frost damage below 28°F (-2°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from frost with a cover; ensure soil dries quickly.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth may stall; soil dries rapidly, increasing water needs.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPhagnalon rupestre is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicPhagnalon rupestre is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicPhagnalon rupestre is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has no reported adverse effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Phagnalon rupestre toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Phagnalon rupestre?
A: It thrives in rocky, well-drained soils with full sun exposure.
Q: Does Phagnalon rupestre attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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