Tyrrhenian cudweed
filago tyrrhenica
Also known as: ["Tyrrhenian fleabane"]
Overview
A small, herbaceous annual plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Filago |
| Botanical Name: | Filago tyrrhenica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy soil with some organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months 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) with tolerance for intense light; adjust for extreme heat by providing partial shade midday.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from scorching in midday summer heat; place in the brightest possible location indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even light; avoid sudden light changes; provide shade during peak summer heat.
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 pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, propagation tray.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; keep medium lightly moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or damaged growth.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or bleaching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root rot if soil remains wet; leaves may turn yellow or drop.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil dries quickly; protect from drafts and cold windows.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow; soil may dry too quickly.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicFilago tyrrhenica is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicFilago tyrrhenica is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicFilago tyrrhenica is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has no reported adverse effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Filago tyrrhenica toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How easy is it to grow Filago tyrrhenica?
A: It is very easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance.
Q: Does Filago tyrrhenica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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