Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)

Also known as: Common gypsophila

Baby's Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) is a favorite among florists for adding a delicate touch to bouquets and complementing larger flowers like roses. This hardy perennial, which thrives in dry and salty conditions, is also known for attracting butterflies. However, it has become invasive in North American grasslands and open ecosystems, threatening native plant species.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Baby's breath

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 80 cm

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue Gray Silver

Flower Size

1 mm

Flower Color

White Pink

Images of Baby's breath

Quickly Identify Baby's breath

Small, delicate white to pale pink flowers in cloud-like clusters

Slender, smooth stem with branching pattern, reaching 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

Narrow, light green leaves contributing to airy texture

Scientific Classification of Baby's breath

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Pink

Genus

Baby's-breath

Species

Baby's breath

Planting and Growing of Baby's breath

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 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 Baby's breath?

When watering Gypsophila paniculata, it is essential to ensure that the soil is thoroughly moistened without becoming waterlogged. This plant thrives when the soil is kept slightly dry between waterings, which prevents root rot and encourages healthy growth. You can achieve this by applying about 200 ml of water each time, ensuring it penetrates the root zone but is not excessive to pool on the soil surface.

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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Baby's breath? ›

How to save an overwatered Baby's breath? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Baby's breath?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Gypsophila paniculata ideally enjoys full sun, which supports vigorous growth and optimal flowering. Full sunlight encourages robust photosynthesis, aiding in nutrient absorption and preventing disease.

What is the best lighting for Gypsophila paniculata? ›

How can I ensure Gypsophila paniculata gets ideal lighting? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Baby's breath?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Gypsophila paniculata is between 60 to 75°F. This range is beneficial for optimal growth as it provides the necessary warmth for metabolic processes without causing heat stress. Maintaining this temperature range ensures the plant can photosynthesize efficiently, leading to healthy blooms.

What Soil is Best for Baby's breath?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Gypsophila paniculata thrives in well-drained soil, preventing waterlogging that can lead to root rot. Ensuring good drainage is crucial for maintaining healthy roots and promoting lush growth. This plant requires soil of moderate fertility to avoid excessive foliage growth that can overshadow its delicate blooms. Balanced nutrient levels support steady growth and prolific flowering. Preferring slightly alkaline soil, this plant benefits from calcareous environments that ensure optimal nutrient uptake, particularly in capturing calcium necessary for strong stem and flower development. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Baby's breath?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Gypsophila paniculata appreciates a balanced approach to feeding. Typically, a diluted liquid fertilizer should be used, ensuring the concentration is no more than half the manufacturer's recommendation. For slow-release fertilizers, apply about 1-2 tablespoons evenly around the base of the plant. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Baby's breath?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Before starting, ensure you have sharp, clean pruning shears. Using the right tools is crucial to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant. Sterilize tools before beginning to prevent disease spread. Begin by analyzing the plant's structure. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems first. Identify weak or crossing stems and cut them back to the base or a main branch to improve air circulation. For a fuller look, prune back to a point just above a node or leaf pair, about 1/4 inch above. This technique encourages branches to grow outward for a bushier plant. Ensure cuts are at a 45-degree angle to promote healthy healing. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Baby's breath plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Begin by sowing the seeds in seed trays filled with a well-drained seed starting mix. Cover lightly with soil, maintain humidity, and ensure adequate light. Germination can take 10-15 days at optimal temperatures.

Select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them at a 45-degree angle. Remove the lowermost leaves and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Place the cuttings in moist medium like perlite or vermiculite.

In early spring, dig up mature plants and gently separate them into smaller clusters, ensuring each has roots attached. Replant them in prepared garden beds, ensuring adequate spacing for growth and promoting root establishment with consistent watering.

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How to Repot Baby's breath plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

It's time to repot Gypsophila paniculata when you notice that its roots are beginning to outgrow the pot or the soil dries out too quickly. This usually happens every 2-3 years. Spring is ideal as the plant is entering its growth phase, making it easier to recover from the stress of repotting.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one to allow room for growth. It's best to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, ensuring the roots stay healthy and promoting robust plant growth. A ceramic or terracotta pot can also help in maintaining moisture balance.

A well-draining potting mix is essential for Gypsophila paniculata. This promotes healthy root development and prevents root rot by ensuring excess water is drained effectively. Incorporating some perlite or sand can enhance the drainage property of the soil.

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Toxicity of Baby's breath

Is Baby's breath toxic to cat?

Baby's breath poses a slight risk of toxicity to felines. Cats may become ill if they ingest the plant in significant quantities. Every part of the baby's breath plant has the potential to cause toxic reactions. Following consumption, cats could exhibit symptoms of physical distress or sickness. It is vital for cat owners to observe their pets for any behavioral or health changes and to quickly seek veterinary care if poisoning indications emerge. Timely intervention is critical to address and mitigate any health concerns resulting from exposure to baby's breath.

Is Baby's breath toxic to dog?

Baby's breath is recognized for possessing a mild degree of toxicity in dogs. Although the plant is not classified as highly toxic, consuming it in large quantities can result in poisoning. Any part of baby's breath can be harmful to dogs since all sections of this plant contain toxic compounds. If a dog consumes a considerable amount of baby's breath, it may show symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is essential for dog owners to keep an eye on their pets and prevent them from ingesting excessive amounts of this plant. Should a dog ingest baby's breath and begin to display signs of poisoning, it is crucial to seek prompt veterinary assistance to guarantee appropriate treatment and recovery.

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.

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