Gypsophila repens aka Alpine Gypsophila

Taxonomy

Genus Gypsophila Family Caryophyllaceae Order Caryophyllales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Gypsophila repens, also known as alpine gypsophila or creeping baby's breath, is a flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, where it grows on dry, chalky slopes. The plant is a prostrate, mat-forming herbaceous perennial, which grows around 20 cm (8 in) tall by 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide. During much of the summer, it produces masses of star-shaped flowers that can be white, lilac or light purple, in loose panicles. In cultivation, this plant is often grown in rock gardens or against dry stone walls and is also used as a cut flower. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. However, it should be noted that it can be invasive in the USA. As a rare houseplant, creeping baby's breath requires regular watering to thrive and prefers long-lasting, direct light within one foot of a window. Additionally, it likes soil that is well-draining and can benefit from gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.

Common names

Alpine Gypsophila, Creeping Baby's Breath, Trailing Baby's Breath

How to care for Alpine Gypsophila

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Alpine Gypsophila is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Alpine Gypsophila should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Alpine Gypsophila 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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Alpine Gypsophila 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.

Toxicity

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.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Gypsophila Genus

Gypsophila patrinii Gypsophila Patrinii

Gypsophila vaccaria Cowherb

Gypsophila repens Alpine Gypsophila

Gypsophila Baby's Breath

Gypsophila elegans Showy Baby's Breath

Gypsophila altissima Gypsophila Altissima

Gypsophila perfoliata Perfoliate Baby's Breath