Ceanothus prostratus aka Mahala Mat
Taxonomy ID: 10858
Ceanothus prostratus, also known as prostrate ceanothus, pinemat, and mahala mat, is a species of shrub in the family Rhamnaceae. Native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, this creeping, evergreen shrub can spread up to 1.5m wide. It has leathery, dark green, toothed leaves and produces masses of bright blue flowers in the spring. Growing up to 6 inches tall and about 8 ft. wide, Ceanothus prostratus forms a flat, mat-like shape. Its oval-shaped, evergreen leaves are oppositely arranged with sharp teeth along the edges and a green, hairless upper surface. The flower cluster consists of small, deep blue or purple flowers, and the fruit is a wrinkled capsule. This shrub thrives in the understory of mixed conifer forests, as well as in open flats, ridges, and low chaparral areas. It can be found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 9,000 ft. However, it is notoriously difficult to cultivate due to unknown factors.
Common names
Mahala Mat, Squaw Carpet, Mahala Mats, Prostrate CeanothusMore information about Mahala Mat
How difficult is it to take care of Mahala Mat
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Mahala Mat, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
What is the region of origin of Mahala Mat
Mahala Mat’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to Colorado and California.
What are the water needs for Mahala Mat
Mahala Mat should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Mahala Mat
Mahala Mat loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Mahala Mat
Mahala Mat requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Prostrate Ceanothus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Mahala Mat
Once the Mahala Mat has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Mahala Mat toxic to humans/pets?
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
What seasonal care does Mahala Mat need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Mahala Mat plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
Ploi is a 4.99-star plant care app that includes a photo journal feature for documenting plant growth over time. Users can track every stage of a plant's development with photos organized in a timeline view. The app also provides adaptive watering reminders, species-specific care guides, activity tracking for all care types, and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
