Dwarf Mouse-ear Chickweed
cerastium pumilum
Also known as: ["Dwarf Chickweed","Low Mouse-ear"]
Overview
A low-growing, mat-forming annual or short-lived perennial with small, white star-shaped flowers and tiny, opposite leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Cerastium |
| Botanical Name: | Cerastium pumilum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- 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: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; place in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade if possible.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the plant regularly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light indoors; avoid placing in areas with prolonged shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam 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; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost in winter; provide shade in summer heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when the plant is dormant; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist propagation 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 without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain high humidity around cuttings; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or shear lightly; remove dead or damaged stems as needed.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing overcrowding.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure excess water drains away; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom but avoid waterlogging; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in response to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf damage, slow growth, or dormancy; frost can kill tender parts of the plant.
Solution: Protect with a frost cloth or mulch in cold spells; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid watering before cold nights to prevent freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may go dormant in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency but ensure good drainage; use mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; discontinue in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCerastium pumilum can cause mild gastrointestinal distress in cats if ingested. The saponins present in the plant may lead to mild irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cerastium pumilum 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 ToxicCerastium pumilum contains small amounts of saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to mild discomfort and is not considered life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cerastium pumilum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Cerastium pumilum?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Cerastium pumilum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its small white flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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