Dwarf Cudweed

filago pygmaea

Also known as: ["Pygmy Cudweed","Dwarf Cottonrose"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Filago Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, annual herbaceous plant with woolly, greyish-green foliage and inconspicuous flowers.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, 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":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter.
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 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 to prevent scorching; place in brightest spot indoors.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct sun indoors in summer.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

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

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.

Temperature

Warm temperatures (65–85°F/18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers mild conditions.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

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

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

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright but indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

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

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; keep soil lightly moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy growth to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Tools

Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or overgrown stems; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth 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 slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; use fresh, well-draining soil.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; 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, sand, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop.

Cold Stress

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

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection if outdoors; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Filago pygmaea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, though specific causes are not well-documented.

Wilting in Filago pygmaea can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired physiological functions.

Leaf spots in Filago pygmaea may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Filago pygmaea is typically caused by excessive moisture and fungal pathogens, leading to tissue decay and plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Filago pygmaea is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects associated with ingestion or contact with this plant species.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

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

Filago pygmaea is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic effects associated with ingestion or contact with this plant species.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

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

Filago pygmaea is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It 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 Filago pygmaea toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Filago pygmaea grow?

A: It is an annual plant that thrives in dry, sunny conditions with minimal care.

Q: Does Filago pygmaea attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees and other pollinators due to its flowers.

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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