Baby's-breath
Gypsophila
Genus of herbaceous flowering plants (baby's-breath) grown for airy clusters of tiny white or pink flowers; prefers full sun and well‑drained, neutral to alkaline soil.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: mildly toxic
Contains saponins and other compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans if eaten; skin contact may irritate sensitive people.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Give baby's-breath at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. Outdoors plant in a sunny border; indoors place on a bright south- or west-facing windowsill. Avoid deep shade which causes leggy stems and poor flowering; morning sun is ideal.
Water
Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the top 3–5 cm (1–2 in) of soil to dry out between waterings. Use a free-draining mix and pots with drainage holes; standing wet soil leads rapidly to root rot. Increase frequency only during prolonged heat.
Humidity
Thrives in low humidity and benefits from good air circulation. Avoid misting or high-humidity microclimates; in humid areas use porous soil and raised beds or gravel mulch to keep crowns dry.
Temperature
Optimal growth between about 10–25°C (50–77°F). Tolerates brief cool spells near 0–5°C (32–41°F) for hardy types, but prolonged heat above 30°C (86°F) can stress plants.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Wilting and yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage causing root rot
Solution: Reduce watering, improve drainage, repot into gritty mix, trim away rotten roots and let plant dry before resuming light waterings.
Leggy, weak growth with few blooms
Cause: Insufficient light or overcrowding
Solution: Move to a sunnier spot, pinch back stems to encourage branching, and thin crowded plants to improve light penetration.
Aphids or powdery mildew on foliage
Cause: Poor air circulation and stress from humidity
Solution: Improve airflow, remove affected growth, wash aphids off with water or apply insecticidal soap; treat mildew with fungicide or cultural controls.
Browning on tips and reduced flowering
Cause: Prolonged heat stress, drought, or salt buildup
Solution: Ensure regular deep watering during heat, flush container soil if salts accumulate, and provide afternoon shade in very hot climates.
✂️How to Propagate Baby's-breath
From seed: sow indoors in spring on surface of a gritty, free-draining mix; keep light and moderate moisture, transplant after frost risk. Cuttings: take 6–8 cm softwood cuttings in late spring, remove lower leaves, insert into sandy mix, and keep humid until rooted. Division: divide clumps in early spring or fall, replant with good drainage and minimal root disturbance.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Native to: Native to Europe, western Asia and parts of North Africa; many cultivars originate in Mediterranean climates.
Natural Habitat: Found on dry, calcareous grasslands, rocky slopes and open meadows where soils are alkaline, low-nutrient and well drained; thrives in full sun with good air movement.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
In mild climates leave hardy varieties in place with minimal watering; mulch around crowns for protection. In pots, move to a cool sheltered spot and water sparingly.
Spring
Divide clumps and sow seed; feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer as new growth appears and pinch tips to promote bushiness and more blooms.
Summer
Provide full sun and monitor moisture; deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom period and avoid overwatering during hottest weeks.
Fall
Cut back spent stems after flowering; tidy beds and apply a light mulch to protect crowns in colder areas, but avoid overmulching which traps moisture.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water baby's-breath?
Water deeply then let top 3–5 cm of soil dry; typically every 7–14 days depending on heat and pot size.
Does baby's-breath need full sun?
Yes, it blooms best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily.
Can I grow baby's-breath from seed?
Yes—start seed indoors on a gritty mix in spring or sow outdoors after last frost; light aids germination.
Is baby's-breath safe for pets?
No, it is mildly toxic—ingestion can cause vomiting or diarrhea in pets and humans.
How do I prevent root rot?
Use free-draining soil, pots with drainage holes, and allow the surface to dry between deep waterings.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025