Galium mollugo aka False Baby's Breath
Taxonomy ID: 8758
Galium mollugo, also known as hedge bedstraw or false baby's breath, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It can either be an annual or perennial plant, depending on the species. The stems are square in cross-section and can reach a height of 15-100 centimeters. Its inflorescences consist of small white flowers with four petals that bloom from May to September. However, this plant may be poisonous.
To get rid of Galium mollugo, chemical weed control is considered the most effective and time-efficient method, using herbicides that don't harm surrounding plants.
False Baby's Breath is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering, direct light within 1 foot of a window, and well-draining soil. It doesn't need additional fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.
Common names
False Baby's Breath, Hedge Bedstraw, White Bedstraw, Wild MadderMore information about False Baby's Breath
How difficult is it to take care of False Baby's Breath
Caring for False Baby's Breath is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
What is the region of origin of False Baby's Breath
False Baby's Breath’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and temperate Asia.
What are the water needs for False Baby's Breath
False Baby's Breath should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for False Baby's Breath
False Baby's Breath 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 False Baby's Breath
To ensure optimal growth, the False Baby's Breath prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize False Baby's Breath
The False Baby's Breath should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Is False Baby's Breath toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
More Species in Galium Genus
Galium asprellum Rough Bedstraw
Galium cinereum
Galium concinnum Shining Bedstraw
Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw
Galium trifidum Small Bedstraw
Galium angustifolium Narrowleaf Bedstraw
Galium palustre Common Marsh Bedstraw
Galium humifusum Spreading Bedstraw
Galium maritimum Sea Peffle
