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minuartia capillacea
Also known as: ["Capillary Minuartia"]
Overview
A delicate, herbaceous plant with fine, grass-like foliage and small, star-shaped flowers, typically found in alpine and subalpine regions.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Minuartia |
| Botanical Name: | Minuartia capillacea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; must not retain water.
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 2–3 months; major pruning annually after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to bright indirect light; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight preferred, especially in cooler climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; avoid direct sun in winter if indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with low organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a cactus mix as base; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid waterlogged soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cold but not frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent cool temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining mix of 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
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips; trim leggy stems; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out roots; place in a pot 1–2 inches larger.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prefers slightly root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; avoid over-potting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid foliage wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed; 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 prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in heat; stunted growth or blackened stems in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage or death if temperatures drop below freezing.
Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors in winter; use a heat mat if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMinuartia capillacea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicMinuartia capillacea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicMinuartia capillacea is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Minuartia capillacea suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it thrives in rock gardens due to its preference for well-drained, rocky soils.
Q: How often should Minuartia capillacea be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.
Q: Does Minuartia capillacea attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its small, star-shaped flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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