Nicaea Catchfly
silene nicaeensis
Also known as: ["Nicaea Catchfly","Nicaean Catchfly"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its delicate pink flowers and slender stems.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Silene |
| Botanical Name: | Silene nicaeensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning after flowering; moderate pruning in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun by providing afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent scorching; for indoor placement, use a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; avoid overwatering in heavy soils; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights during dormancy.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; maintain consistent temperatures; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop feeding before dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
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 mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to just above a leaf node; shape as needed.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; remove spent flowers; shape plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly until runoff; ensure pot has drainage holes.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause root damage; prolonged cold may lead to dieback or death.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors during freezes; use mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, bud drop, and reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use evaporative cooling methods like misting.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during active growth (spring-summer); avoid feeding in fall-winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume parts of Silene nicaeensis. The toxic compounds can cause discomfort but are not generally life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Silene nicaeensis can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSilene nicaeensis contains saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Silene nicaeensis toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How often should I water Silene nicaeensis?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Silene nicaeensis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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