Showy baby's-breath (Gypsophila elegans)
Also known as: Maidens breath
Cornflower (*Centaurea cyanus*) is a short-lived annual flower known for its vibrant blue blooms. Native to Eurasia, this plant is a favorite in cut flower arrangements and is often used alongside roses to add a pop of color.
In This Article
Attributes of Showy baby's-breath
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 45 cm
Spread
45 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green Silver
Flower Size
1.2 cm
Flower Color
White Pink
Images of Showy baby's-breath
Quickly Identify Showy baby's-breath
1
Delicate, cloud-like clusters of petite white flowers on thin stems (18-24 inches / 45-60 cm tall).
2
5-petaled white flowers in star-like pattern, each around 0.25 inches (6 mm) wide.
Scientific Classification of Showy baby's-breath
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Caryophyllales
Family
Pink
Genus
Baby's-breath
Species
Showy baby's-breath
Planting and Growing of Showy baby's-breath
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 4 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, Terracotta
How to Water Showy baby's-breath?
Gypsophila elegans prefers a moderate watering amount. It's vital to water until the soil is moist but not waterlogged, typically about 500 ml per session for a medium-sized pot. This helps maintain optimal soil hydration without the risk of root rot.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Showy baby's-breath?
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What should I do if my Showy baby's-breath is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Showy baby's-breath?
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How to save an overwatered Showy baby's-breath?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Showy baby's-breath?
Gypsophila elegans prefers full sun to partial sun, ideally receiving around 6-8 hours of sunlight. Such conditions foster abundant flowering and robust plant health, ensuring lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
Ideal Sun Exposure
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Maximizing Flower Production
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Solutions for Limited Light Areas
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Showy baby's-breath?
Gypsophila elegans thrives best within temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range allows for optimal growth and blooming, as the plant can efficiently photosynthesize and maintain its physiological processes. Consistently maintaining this temperature can help the plant achieve its full ornamental potential.
What Soil is Best for Showy baby's-breath?
Gypsophila elegans flourishes in well-draining soil, preventing root rot and ensuring healthy root systems. This soil type allows excess water to quickly escape, which is beneficial during rainy periods and gives the plant the necessary dry periods. Gypsophila elegans prefers low-fertility soils, reducing the risk of over-fertilizing. Such soils focus plant energy on developing delicate flowers rather than dense foliage, facilitating its characteristic airy appearance. The plant thrives best in soils with a moderate to slightly alkaline pH. This range supports optimal nutrient uptake and microbial activity, which in turn enhances its flowering capability.
More About Soil→
How to Fertilize Showy baby's-breath?
For Gypsophila elegans, an appropriate amount of fertilizer is crucial for optimal growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula. Apply about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water for liquid fertilizers and evenly distribute around the base of the plant.
More About Fertilizing Techniques→
How to Prune Showy baby's-breath?
Start by sterilizing your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases. Begin pruning in early spring when new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged stems. To shape the plant, trim back about one-third of the plant's height, cutting just above a leaf node to promote bushier growth. During the flowering season, deadheading spent blooms regularly encourages continuous flowering. Always ensure you maintain a natural, pleasing shape.
More About Pruning Techniques→
How to Propagate Showy baby's-breath plant?
1
Fill the seed tray with a fine potting mix, ensuring each cell is evenly filled. Avoid compressing the soil too tightly, as Gypsophila elegans seeds prefer lightly packed soil for optimal growth conditions.
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Scatter the Gypsophila elegans seeds evenly over the surface of the prepared soil. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them deeply as they require light to germinate. Mist the tray gently to provide moisture.
3
Place the seed tray in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture by misting the soil surface regularly. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot and poor seed development.
How to Repot Showy baby's-breath plant?
1
Gypsophila elegans should be repotted when you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes or when the plant seems to have stopped growing. Repotting during early spring or autumn allows the plant to quickly settle into its new environment, leveraging the seasons' mild temperatures for optimal transition.
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Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one to give roots ample room to expand. Opt for pots with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A clay pot can also help in absorbing excess moisture, which is beneficial for this plant.
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The right soil for Gypsophila elegans should be well-draining, preferably a sandy soil mix enriched with organic matter. This type of soil prevents water retention and ensures the roots have access to adequate aeration, promoting healthy growth and blossom production.
Toxicity of Showy baby's-breath
Is Showy baby's-breath toxic to humans?
Showy baby's-breath can pose a mild risk to humans upon direct skin exposure. The sap of this plant contains saponins, which may lead to minor irritation of the skin. Symptoms often include redness, rash, and itching sensations. Individuals who have heightened sensitivity to saponins are more likely to exhibit these symptoms. To avoid skin irritation, it is advisable to wear gloves when handling showy baby's-breath. Furthermore, the dry flowers of showy baby's-breath can also cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and sinuses for some individuals, especially those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma. They might experience breathing difficulties and other allergy or asthma symptoms.
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.
