Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Baby's breath on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Baby's breath
Gypsophila paniculata, commonly known as "baby's breath" or "cloud flower," is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Caryophyllaceae family, renowned for its delicate and abundant tiny white or pink flowers. It forms an ethereal, branched mass, creating a cloud-like effect that makes it ideal for filling spaces in floral arrangements, garden borders, or as an accent plant in flowerbeds. Its light and airy appearance brings a romantic, rustic touch to any composition.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and prefers well-drained soils, even sandy or calcareous ones, strictly avoiding waterlogging which can rot its roots. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings; it is quite drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is planting it in heavy, wet soils, which leads to a rapid decline of the plant.
How to save a dying Baby's breath
- Warning signs
- Soft/dry stems, yellow/brown leaves, general wilting.
- First aid
- Check watering, ensure good drainage, prune damaged parts, consider repotting.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot or extreme drought and intense direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and you act fast.