Spring Beauty
claytonia caroliniana
Also known as: ["Carolina Spring Beauty","Waxflower"]
Overview
A small, herbaceous perennial with delicate white or pink flowers and fleshy leaves, native to eastern North America.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Montiaceae |
| Genus: | Claytonia |
| Botanical Name: | Claytonia caroliniana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: moist woodland garden or shaded, cool indoor pot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry environments, rarely needed in humid climates
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter; a mix of peat, perlite, and loam works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, keep near an east or north-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant weekly for even growth; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf diseases.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–6.5.
Avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture without saturation; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates mild warmth but thrives in cooler conditions.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat sources; maintain stable temperatures; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but can help speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain high humidity with a plastic bag or dome; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems to encourage branching; trim leggy growth to promote compactness.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in early morning; remove only dead or overgrown parts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, with drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base of the plant until water drains from the bottom; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or dormancy in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may enter dormancy; prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth or move indoors; maintain consistent temperatures above 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become leggy or weak.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; ensure adequate ventilation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicClaytonia caroliniana is not considered toxic to cats. No toxic effects have been reported in felines upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicClaytonia caroliniana is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects on canine health when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicClaytonia caroliniana is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human physiology when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Claytonia caroliniana?
A: It can be propagated by seed or division of tubers in early spring.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Spring Beauty?
A: It thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil and prefers cooler temperatures.
Q: Does Spring Beauty require special care indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, but can be grown indoors in a cool, bright spot with high humidity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Montiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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