Adequate sunlight prevents leggy, weak growth. Placing Bassia prostrata in a sunny area allows it to develop robust stems and compact, bushy foliage. Avoid positioning the plant in shaded or low-light spaces, as this inhibits balanced growth.

Prostrate summercypress (Bassia prostrata)

Also known as: Not available

Forage kochia, scientifically known as Bassia prostrata (formerly Kochia prostrata), is a plant from Eurasia that belongs to the subfamily Camphorosmoideae within the family Amaranthaceae. It was introduced to the United States to serve as rangeland forage and to aid in fire control efforts.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Prostrate summercypress

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

Up to 60 cm

Spread

Up to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green to reddish-green

Flower Size

Less than 1 cm

Flower Color

Greenish or yellowish

Images of Prostrate summercypress

Quickly Identify Prostrate summercypress

The plant can be identified by its prostrate to semi-erect growth habit, small and narrow leaves, and dense branched structure. It often has a reddish tinge to the stems and leaves.

Scientific Classification of Prostrate summercypress

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Caryophyllales

Family

Amaranth

Genus

Smotherweeds

Species

Prostrate summercypress

Planting and Growing of Prostrate summercypress

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Prostrate summercypress?

Bassia prostrata thrives on moderate watering, adhering to a principle of 'less is more.' Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, allowing the top inch to dry out between watering sessions to mimic its natural habitat.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Prostrate summercypress? ›

What should I do if my Prostrate summercypress is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Prostrate summercypress? ›

How to save an overwatered Prostrate summercypress? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Prostrate summercypress?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 5 to 6 hours daily

Bassia prostrata thrives best under full to partial sun, with ideal growth observed under consistent exposure of approximately 5 to 6 hours of sunlight. This optimal light condition facilitates robust growth and vibrant leaf coloration.

Optimal Sunlight for Growth ›

Enhancing Leaf Coloration ›

Preventing Legginess ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Prostrate summercypress?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Bassia prostrata is between 60°F to 75°F. These temperatures promote optimal metabolic processes, enabling the plant to grow robustly and maintain healthy foliage. Within this range, the plant can efficiently photosynthesize and uptake nutrients.

What Soil is Best for Prostrate summercypress?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Bassia prostrata thrives in well-drained soils, which prevent root rot by ensuring water doesn't accumulate around the roots. This trait is beneficial in arid and semi-arid regions, providing optimal growth conditions by avoiding waterlogging. Although hardy, Bassia prostrata benefits from nutrient-rich soils that supply it with essential minerals for healthy development. Regular additions of organic matter or light fertilization ensure robust growth and vibrant foliage. While it can tolerate drought, Bassia prostrata prefers soils that can retain moderate moisture, helping sustain the plant during dry spells and promoting steady growth without overwhelming its roots with excess water.

How to Fertilize Prostrate summercypress?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Bassia prostrata, it's important to use a balanced approach. For liquid fertilizers, apply a diluted solution at half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding. For slow-release fertilizers, use approximately 20 grams per plant, ensuring that it is evenly distributed around the root zone and mixed into the topsoil.

How to Prune Prostrate summercypress?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Before you begin pruning, take a moment to observe the natural shape of your Bassia prostrata. This will guide your pruning cuts to enhance its inherent structure, rather than forcing an unnatural shape. When making cuts, aim to prune above a leaf node. This encourages new growth from that point, helping the plant fill out and maintain a full, lush appearance. To promote air circulation and prevent pest infestations, occasionally thin the interior of the plant. This involves selectively removing some interior branches without disturbing the overall shape.

How to Propagate Prostrate summercypress plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early summer

Collect mature seeds from Bassia prostrata in late summer or early autumn when the seed pods are dry, ensuring high germination rates for new plants.

Select healthy stems approximately 10 cm long, making clean cuts just below a node. Remove lower leaves to reduce moisture loss.

Sow seeds in a seed tray filled with well-draining soil. Lightly cover with a thin layer of soil and keep in a warm place.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Prostrate summercypress plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Bassia prostrata generally signals the need for repotting when its roots begin to circle the pot, indicating that it's becoming root-bound. This often appears as roots growing out of drainage holes or visible on the soil's surface. Ideally, repot this plant during its dormant seasons of spring or autumn, when the plant's growth is not at its peak.

Selecting an appropriate pot for Bassia prostrata is crucial. Opt for a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging—a condition this plant despises. The new pot should be sturdy enough to support the plant but not excessively large, which can retain excess moisture and lead to root rot, allowing for stable growth and healthy root development.

Choose a well-draining sandy soil mix for Bassia prostrata. Such a soil should have a blend of sand, perlite, and a touch of organic matter like peat. This composition facilitates excellent drainage, replicating the plant's natural environment and preventing waterlogged conditions that can harm its roots.

Toxicity

ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.