False Pimpernel

lindernia dubia

Also known as: ["Water Pimpernel","Smallseed Lindernia"]

Family: Phrymaceae Genus: Lindernia Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, creeping annual herb with small, bright pink flowers, often found in moist or wet habitats.

Benefits & Perks

["disease resistant","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Phrymaceae
Genus: Lindernia
Botanical Name: Lindernia dubia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: moist garden bed or container with partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or loamy soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very low
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 4–6 weeks during growing season.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight); adjust based on intensity and season.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; place in dappled light indoors.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid harsh afternoon sun; provide shade during peak hours; rotate for even growth.

Watering

every 3–5 days

Maintain soil moisture; avoid waterlogging; adjust frequency with seasons.

Soil

moist, loamy, organic-rich soil

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

Avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable warmth.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep warm and humid.

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

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Moist potting mix or water; well-draining soil with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 1–3 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain high humidity.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

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

Pruning Plan

Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or leggy stems.

Tools

Clean scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; check for root rot; ensure proper drainage.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure proper drainage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the root zone until it drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture distribution; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a gentle stream to avoid displacing seeds or young plants.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water frequently, especially during hot, dry periods; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; cover with frost cloth; reduce watering in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply and more frequently.

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 every 2–4 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Lindernia dubia can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease, potentially affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Lindernia dubia may result from water stress, root damage, or pathogen infection, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Lindernia dubia are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to tissue necrosis, reduced photosynthetic capacity, and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Lindernia dubia is often caused by excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, which can lead to decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Lindernia dubia is not known to be toxic to cats. No toxic effects have been reported in felines after ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

As with any plant, excessive ingestion by cats should be monitored, and consult a veterinarian if unusual behavior or symptoms appear.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Lindernia dubia is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume large quantities of any plant material, as gastrointestinal upset may occur due to the novelty of the substance.
Humans
Non-toxic

Lindernia dubia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has not been reported to cause any significant adverse effects when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended without proper identification and consultation with a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lindernia dubia toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Lindernia dubia grow?

A: It grows as a creeping annual herb, typically in moist or wet environments.

Q: Is Lindernia dubia suitable for indoor cultivation?

A: It is not commonly grown indoors due to its preference for outdoor, moist conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Phrymaceae
Care: very easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 3–5 days
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Winged Monkeyflower
View
Fiddleneck
View
Scarlet Monkeyflower
View
Common Yellow Monkeyflower
View