Sand Catchfly

silene sedoides

Also known as: ["Sand Catchfly","Sand Catchfly Silene"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Silene Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with small, white to pale pink flowers, native to sandy and rocky habitats.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Silene
Botanical Name: Silene sedoides

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with tolerance for partial shade in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak heat.

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 to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in extreme heat.

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 some organic matter

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

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

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

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

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

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

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

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

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

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; 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 saturation without pooling. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a narrow-spouted watering can to target the soil directly at the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

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

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 extreme heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause root damage if temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods.

Solution: Protect from frost with a cover; move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow significantly in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant season.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Silene sedoides may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential decline in plant vigor.

Wilting in Silene sedoides can result from water stress, root damage, or pest infestations, causing the plant to lose turgor pressure and potentially leading to tissue death if not addressed.

Leaf spots in Silene sedoides may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf drop, and potential spread to other parts of the plant.

Rotting in Silene sedoides is often associated with excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to the decay of roots, stems, or leaves, which can ultimately cause plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Silene sedoides is not toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects when ingested by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for cat owners regarding this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Silene sedoides does not pose a toxic risk to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for dog owners regarding this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Silene sedoides is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in typical quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Silene sedoides suitable for rock gardens?

A: Yes, it thrives in sandy and rocky habitats, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens.

Q: Does Silene sedoides require full sun?

A: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Q: How often should Silene sedoides be watered?

A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

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

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

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Mediterranean Catchfly
View
Rock spurry
View
Alpine Sandwort
View
Pink Fairies, Tunica saxifraga
View