Sea Wormwood

cutandia maritima

Also known as: ["Sea Wormwood","Coastal Wormwood"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Cutandia Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A coastal plant with silvery-gray foliage, adapted to saline environments.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Cutandia
Botanical Name: Cutandia maritima

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; essential to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or gritty soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once or twice a year, or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates coastal conditions with high light intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; suitable for coastal or open garden placement.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun exposure; coastal tolerance; avoid deep shade.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

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

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

Prefers mild temperatures (50–75°F/10–24°C); hardy to coastal conditions with moderate tolerance to frost.

Protect from hard freezes; avoid waterlogged soil in cold; provide shade in extreme heat.

Fertilizing

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

Use a cactus/succulent fertilizer; fertilize only when actively growing; less is more for this species.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

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

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

Environment

Warm, bright, indirect light; high humidity (e.g., using a propagation dome) helps rooting.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and cactus/succulent soil.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.

Timeline

Roots may form in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, propagation medium.

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; keep soil lightly moist; provide warmth and indirect light.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Trim back leggy stems; remove dead or yellowing leaves; shape the plant as desired.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; discard excess water.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed to prevent root rot; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the soil, avoiding leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in extreme heat; stunted growth or yellowing in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may suffer leaf damage below 28°F (-2°C); roots are sensitive to prolonged cold and wet soil.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot; move potted plants to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt or scorch in intense heat; growth may slow if soil dries too quickly.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply but infrequently; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

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

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during growing season (spring–summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Cutandia maritima may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or underlying disease, though specific causes are not well-documented for this species.

Wilting in Cutandia maritima can result from inadequate water supply, root damage, or environmental stress, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired physiological functions.

Leaf spots in Cutandia maritima may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to tissue necrosis and reduced photosynthetic efficiency, though specific pathogens are not well-documented.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Cutandia maritima is often associated with excessive moisture or fungal infections, which can compromise structural integrity and nutrient uptake.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cutandia maritima is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Cutandia maritima is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cutandia maritima is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human consumption in typical amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cutandia maritima suitable for coastal gardens?

A: Yes, it is highly adapted to coastal environments and thrives in saline conditions.

Q: Does this plant require frequent watering?

A: No, it is drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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