One-flowered Mouse-ear

cerastium uniflorum

Also known as: ["One-flowered Chickweed","Solitary Mouse-ear"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Cerastium Category: Flowers

Overview

A delicate, low-growing perennial herb with small, white, star-shaped flowers, typically found in alpine and subalpine regions.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Cerastium
Botanical Name: Cerastium uniflorum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with good drainage
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°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.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or overgrown stems.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or bright indirect light per day.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on season.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; move indoors in extreme heat.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter

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

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cold but not extreme heat.

Avoid drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize after watering; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

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

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

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

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright but indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim back straggly stems to promote bushiness.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts; shape as needed.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up; increase pot diameter by 1–2 inches.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out crowded roots; place in a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme conditions.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dormancy; roots can freeze in poorly insulated pots.

Solution: Insulate pots; move to a sheltered location; avoid sudden temperature drops.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or cessation of flowering due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; cease in winter.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting can result from water stress, root damage, or pest infestations, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots, typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, can impair photosynthesis, weaken the plant, and potentially lead to defoliation.

Rotting, often caused by fungal infections or overwatering, can lead to the decay of roots, stems, or leaves, compromising structural integrity and nutrient transport.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cerastium uniflorum is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your cat if they consume any part of the plant, but it is not expected to cause harm.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Cerastium uniflorum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume any part of the plant, but it is not expected to cause harm.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cerastium uniflorum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting wild plants unless properly identified and confirmed safe for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cerastium uniflorum suitable for rock gardens?

A: Yes, it thrives in rocky, well-drained soils typical of alpine environments.

Q: How often should Cerastium uniflorum be watered?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, as it is adapted to drier conditions.

Q: Does Cerastium uniflorum attract pollinators?

A: Yes, its small white flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

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