Sharp-leaved fluellen (Kickxia elatine)
Care, watering, light and tips for Sharp-leaved fluellen on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Sharp-leaved fluellen
Kickxia elatine, commonly known as Piltorskemunn or Sharp-leaved Fluellen, is a small annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant with trailing or ascending stems and petiolate, sagittate or hastate leaves. Its tiny, pale yellow flowers with purple accents make it ideal for covering small spaces in rock gardens, along paths, or as a groundcover in low-traffic areas. It's a delicate and charming addition that brings a wild touch.
Native range
Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa.
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, as it tolerates short periods of drought well. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. It is a low-maintenance plant that readily self-seeds.
How to save a dying Sharp-leaved fluellen
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or pale leaves, weak and drooping stems, stunted growth. Very sensitive to lack of humidity.
- First aid
- Repot in well-draining soil, water moderately, and increase humidity with misting. Protect from direct sun.
- What kills it
- Extreme substrate dryness and prolonged direct sun exposure. Also waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted. Act quickly at the first symptoms.