Slender False Foxglove
agalinis tenuifolia
Also known as: ["Slender Gerardia"]
Overview
A slender-stemmed annual plant with delicate, linear leaves and tubular, pinkish-purple flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Agalinis |
| Botanical Name: | Agalinis tenuifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: open, sunny areas in sandy soils, often near coastal regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid intense midday sun; adjust for seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy clay mixes; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (60–80°F or 15–27°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoids extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or trim spent flower stems to promote branching.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; remove spent flowers.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease apart roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Agalinis tenuifolia prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone until soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure excess water drains away completely. 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 compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or chlorosis in extreme heat; stunted growth or browning in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause root damage in prolonged cold or frost.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth; move indoors in freezing temperatures; ensure good drainage to prevent cold soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in excessive heat, especially with poor water management.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAgalinis tenuifolia is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicAgalinis tenuifolia is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicAgalinis tenuifolia is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It has not been documented to cause any adverse physiological impacts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Agalinis tenuifolia a perennial or annual plant?
A: It is an annual plant.
Q: Does this plant require full sun or shade?
A: It prefers full sun to partial shade.
Q: Is Agalinis tenuifolia a parasitic plant?
A: Yes, it is a hemiparasitic plant, often relying on host plants for nutrients.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
