Striated catchfly (Silene conica)
Care, watering, light and tips for Striated catchfly on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Striated catchfly
Silene conica, commonly known as sandsmelle, is a low-growing annual plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is characterized by its small pink or purple flowers with bilobed petals and an inflated, conical calyx, which gives it its name. It is ideal for rock gardens, gravel gardens, or as a filler plant in sunny borders, adding a delicate and natural touch.
Native range
Temperate regions of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.
Care tips
This plant prefers full sun exposure to flower profusely. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant. It requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or stony, and poor in nutrients. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and plant death.
How to save a dying Striated catchfly
- Warning signs
- Soft, drooping stems, yellowing or browning leaves from the base, no blooms or withered flowers.
- First aid
- Check drainage and substrate moisture. Ensure full sun and good ventilation. Remove damaged parts.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, leading to root rot. Also excessive shade and lack of aeration.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and overwatering is corrected with proper sunlight.