Ciliate Androsace
androsace ciliata
Also known as: []
Overview
A small, low-growing perennial herb in the Primulaceae family, characterized by its rosette-forming habit and ciliate leaf margins.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Androsace |
| Botanical Name: | Androsace ciliata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or containers in cool, airy spots
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light; place in a spot with filtered light; move indoors during intense summer sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water early in the day.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid over-amending with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates mild warmth but thrives in cooler conditions.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; 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 a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone if using.
- Plant in propagation 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 consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take an additional month.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems; pinch tips to encourage branching; remove any dead or diseased parts.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or leggy stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; prefers slightly crowded roots.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed to prevent standing moisture.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; 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 excessive heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause root damage if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors during cold spells; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become leggy due to heat stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAndrosace ciliata is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAndrosace ciliata is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAndrosace ciliata is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has not been documented to cause adverse physiological effects when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ideal growing environment for Androsace ciliata?
A: It thrives in well-drained, rocky soils in full sun to partial shade, typically in alpine or mountainous regions.
Q: Does Androsace ciliata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its small, star-shaped flowers.
Q: How often should Androsace ciliata be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as it is adapted to drier conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| 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
