Catchfly prairie gentian (Eustoma exaltatum) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

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Catchfly prairie gentian

Eustoma exaltatum

Also known as: Seaside gentian, Small bluebell, Western blue gentian, Marsh gentian

The catchfly prairie gentian is a perennial herb native to the southern US and the West Indies. It is salt tolerant and provides purple bell-shaped flowers in the blooming season. Catchfly prairie gentian is closely related to Texas bluebell (Eustoma russellianum) which is widely used as a cut flower.

Spring

Planting Time

Care Guide for Catchfly prairie gentian

Water

Moisture-loving, keep the soil moist but do not let water accumulate.

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 10

Planting Time

Spring

Harvest Time

Fall

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Catchfly prairie gentian

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 10

Harvest Time

Fall

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Questions About Catchfly prairie gentian

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Catchfly prairie gentian?

To water Catchfly prairie gentian, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Catchfly prairie gentian is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Catchfly prairie gentian as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Catchfly prairie gentian that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Catchfly prairie gentian, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.

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What should I do if I water my Catchfly prairie gentian too much or too little?

The remedy for underwatering Catchfly prairie gentian is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Catchfly prairie gentian is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Catchfly prairie gentian that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Catchfly prairie gentian, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.

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How often should I water my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Catchfly prairie gentian needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Catchfly prairie gentian. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Catchfly prairie gentian grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Catchfly prairie gentian that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Catchfly prairie gentian a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.

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How much water does my Catchfly prairie gentian need?

There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Catchfly prairie gentian. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Catchfly prairie gentian. Typically, you should give your Catchfly prairie gentian about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Catchfly prairie gentian in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Catchfly prairie gentian enough?

It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Catchfly prairie gentian. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Catchfly prairie gentian are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Catchfly prairie gentian may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Catchfly prairie gentian as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.

How should I water my Catchfly prairie gentian through the seasons?

You can expect your Catchfly prairie gentian’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Catchfly prairie gentian, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Catchfly prairie gentian that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Catchfly prairie gentian is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.

How should I water my Catchfly prairie gentian at different growth stages?

Catchfly prairie gentian will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Catchfly prairie gentian as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Catchfly prairie gentian will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Catchfly prairie gentian will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.

What's the difference between watering Catchfly prairie gentian indoors and outdoors?

There are several reasons why most Catchfly prairie gentian grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Catchfly prairie gentian needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Catchfly prairie gentian water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.

Is pruning necessary for my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Catchfly prairie gentian is a kind of annual plant so it doesn't need much pruning. You only need to cut off and clean the diseased, yellow or dropped leaves and stems during its growing period. This will help your Catchfly prairie gentian to stay away from pathogens infection.

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How do I prune my Catchfly prairie gentian?

During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off. If the whole piece of leave is discolored or infected, you will need to cut it off completely. In other situations, you will only need to cut off the discolored or infected part on certain leaves. Catchfly prairie gentian above the ground will die and dry up in the winter, and the dead plants need to be cleaned up.

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Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Catchfly prairie gentian leaves are delicate, so take care not to score or bruise them. Unless the leaves are withered or heavily discolored, do not prune the leaves from the lowermost branches unless they’re damaged. They typically grow the largest, so they supply the plant with critical energy to keep it growing right. Please prevent the wounds from water after pruning until they are fully recovered. Remember always sterilize the tools before pruning. When the pruning is finished, please throw all the waste leaves and stems into the trashbins to avoid diseases and bugs.

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Are there any tips for pruning my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Sterilize all the tools before pruning; unclean tools will pass pathogens to the plant through wounds;
Prune on sunny days because the new cuts will be infected by pathogens if they're distained by rain or water.
Throw all the waste leaves and stems into trashbins, they will easily rot and attract diseases and bugs

When should/shouldn't I prune my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Expect to prune your Catchfly prairie gentian every week if it’s growing well or every two weeks if it grows slowly. It is always good to prune it on sunny days because if you prune it on rainy days, the rainwater will distain the cuts and cause the whole plant to be infected.

What should I look for when pruning my Catchfly prairie gentian in different seasons?

Because Catchfly prairie gentian is an annual plant, the pruning should take place basically during the seasons that the plant grows rapidly. During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off.

How much sunlight should Catchfly prairie gentian get per day to grow healthily?

You must expose the plants to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer more exposure to the morning light, especially in the summer. The Catchfly prairie gentian needs full sun and more sunlight that it can get. The more light these species get, the more they can manufacture food, produce beautiful blooms, and survive.

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What type of sunlight does Catchfly prairie gentian need?

The Catchfly prairie gentian grows best under full sunlight. It's best not to crowd them together so they can get exposure to the sun evenly. The leaves shouldn't be starved with sunlight. If planted in pots, try to expose the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and ensure they receive full sunlight regardless of the months.

They don't tend to do well in partial or filtered light as this will not produce strong stems and healthy flowers. It's best if the Catchfly prairie gentian is always exposed to the sun.

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Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Catchfly prairie gentian from sun and heat damage?

When the temperature rises above 90℉(32℃), the Catchfly prairie gentian can get damaged by extreme temperatures, especially if they are exposed to many hours of sun. It's always ideal for providing some shade from the light in the afternoon in the summer. It's always important to keep in mind that the sunlight in the summer is stronger than the one in the winter. Sunlight exposure is also 50% longer in the summer than in the winter.

If the Catchfly prairie gentian is too stressed with sunlight, you might want to keep them fully hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry, and move the plants indoors if it's too hot outside. This is the case if they are planted in containers.

It can be normal for the plant leaves to wilt during the day. Generally, they can recover at night. However, when you notice that the Catchfly prairie gentian is still drooping, this means that the plant is losing water fast, and you need to water them.

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Should I protect Catchfly prairie gentian from sun exposure?

The Catchfly prairie gentian does not need any protection from the sun. In fact, they love the sun, and some species are heliotropic. Plant them in south-facing gardens whenever possible so they can be exposed from morning to afternoon. While the sun can benefit them, some may experience a sunburn. You might offer protection from the afternoon and midday sun through a shade of a tree or a wall.

Growing the Catchfly prairie gentian in shady areas is impossible because the larger flowers would require a lot of energy to grow and produce. Always provide the lighting conditions and set them in an area with full sun for best results.

What will happen if Catchfly prairie gentian gets inadequate sunlight?

When the Catchfly prairie gentian does not get adequate sunlight, or they are not placed in full sun locations, it's worth noting that the photosynthetic process will slow down. A lack of sunlight will cause the stems to become more leggy since they become thin and long since they tend to seek too much sunlight. They will not bloom and produce seeds in the shade.

Inadequate sunlight will also mean that the older leaves can die, the color of the new ones is lighter than the old foliage, and the new growth is smaller than the last ones.

The Catchfly prairie gentian indeed loves the sun so much. However, they can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light during the extreme summer months, so be careful. You might want to cover them with a net that has a green shade, especially in the summer, to prevent the leaves and the flowers from scorching. When they are indoors, reduce the heat with the help of a fan.

Does Catchfly prairie gentian need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

When the Catchfly prairie gentian is growing, they need more light than their mature counterparts. The younger ones should receive adequate light, but they might not be prepared for sudden full sunlight, especially if they are grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the summer sun, so the lighting should be gradual and slow.

How much light does Catchfly prairie gentian need for photosynthesis?

During summer or late spring, the Catchfly prairie gentian needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light every single day. This is whether they are planted outdoors. If the Catchfly prairie gentian is planted in pots or you're growing them in the winter, they need direct fluorescent lights that help them grow better. Make sure to place them in an indoor area where they are facing south or east so they can have enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Catchfly prairie gentian?

When transplanting the plants, they should not be exposed to sudden sunlight. Give the Catchfly prairie gentian to grow and mature before transplanting outside. Some species of herbaceous plants can grow taller and might cast a shade on other young plants. Allow between 80 to 100 days of growing season before planting another batch to ensure that every plant receives more than enough sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Make sure that the Catchfly prairie gentian receives the best light possible, especially if it's planted in a nursery. These are sun-loving plants, but too much sunlight with a very hot temperature is also detrimental to their growth. Indoor lights should be replaced with natural sunlight as much as possible since these species crave this every day.

What is the optimal temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian?

Colder temperatures can affect plants since they have the same temperature as the air around them. When they are exposed to the sun, they can start to get warm again, but this is not the case during winter. The temperature range for the Catchfly prairie gentian is often 70~85℉(21~30℃). They might tolerate 20~30℉(-6~0℃) even 15℉(-10℃), but not for long since this can result in frost damage. Maximum temperatures should be around 70~85℉(21~30℃), but make sure that you spray them with water from time to time and give them some shade to prevent wilting.

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Should I adjust the temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian during different growing phases?

Do some research and make sure that the temperature is right when growing Catchfly prairie gentian. Some growers might consider decreasing the plants' thermostats during the growing season to reduce HVAC costs. However, it's vital to understand that the temperature can affect the flowering, pest management, and quality of the plants.

There will be a temperature point where the Catchfly prairie gentian will stop growing, and this can happen during the winter when some species might go into a dormant state. The base temperature becomes warmer when the season changes and the Catchfly prairie gentian can grow faster. The species that are naturally growing in warm habitats have higher optimum temperatures when you compare them to the ones that thrive in a cooler climate.

When the seeds of Catchfly prairie gentian are exposed to cool temperatures, this can cause a decrease in uniformity and delays. You might also want to lower the temperature during flowering but not at other phases. Cooler temperatures at night will also require less water, so adjust the irrigation as needed.

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How can I keep Catchfly prairie gentian warm in cold seasons?

Stop fertilizing the plant to avoid new growth and allow the old ones to become hardy. This way, they can endure colder temperature when it begins to drop. To keep them warm, you can build structures around the Catchfly prairie gentian like cages or trellises. There are also options to use heat mats that can gently warm the soil since they can consistently maintain an ideal temperature range for the Catchfly prairie gentian.

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How can I save Catchfly prairie gentian from temperature damage?

During winter, you can protect the Catchfly prairie gentian from frost by covering it with cloths, tarps, burlaps, sheets, or plastic buckets. Make sure to keep them down so they continue to act as insulators and the wind will not blow them away. However, ensure that the plastic sheets or burlap covers should not touch any part of the fruit or foliage, or the cold temperatures can transfer to the material and cause burns. When the temperatures begin to rise during the daytime, remove the covers.

Should I adjust the temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian in different seasons?

When growing the Catchfly prairie gentian in spring, you might want to increase humidity since the air temperature tends to be cooler at this time. A dry temperature can be a stressful growing environment for various species, which can help. If summer arrives, the large cover of the greenhouse and the warm temperature will mean that there will be a higher humidity level in the air. Some signs to look for are the condensation that is often found on the walls of the greenhouse, and this can cause issues with pollination and the development of infections when the water begins to fall on the leaves. Make adjustments according to the temperature and do some spraying during the hotter days of the year.

What damage will Catchfly prairie gentian suffer if the temperature is too high/low?

Generally, the first cold snap can destroy the Catchfly prairie gentian and others might go into a dormant state when the temperature is low. Some plants can get chilled when the temperatures range from 20~30℉(-6~0℃). They can freeze when the temperature begins to drop below 32℉(0℃). Those species that hide most of their parts under the soil might lose their structures above ground, but they can recover in spring. Some of the associated issues with too low temperatures are the lack of availability of resources like water, and nutrients, and those subtropical plants can suffer when the temperature reaches below 20℉(-6℃). The plants can also get damaged because of extreme heat stress when it's too high. This can reduce the transpiration rate that can affect the growth and productivity of Catchfly prairie gentian.

What tips and cautions should I keep in mind when it comes to temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian?

You need to cover the plants at night since these can add about 5 degrees more to protect the species from frost and freezing temperatures. The cloth rows can work well as blankets and ensure that there are no openings where the heat could escape.

When using the covers, avoid the plastic from touching the foliage because this can cause the Catchfly prairie gentian to freeze. Remember to keep the covers during the day and stop using heat pads during the summer. It will always be worth the effort to protect the cold-intolerant plants from freezing temperatures to help them survive.

How can I keep Catchfly prairie gentian warm without a heat pad?

If you prefer not to use a heat pad, bring the Catchfly prairie gentian inside, especially if it's freezing outdoors. During spring, consider the ones you need to bring indoors and plant them in moveable pots and containers.

How can I provide Catchfly prairie gentian with an adequate temperature condition?

Most often, the ones caring for the Catchfly prairie gentian will grow them in greenhouses. This is because they can provide adequate temperature in these areas that won't affect the photosynthesis process of a specific process.

Some install the proper HVAC systems to control the temperatures of Catchfly prairie gentian. This can handle many species' cooling and heating needs, especially during the summer and winter. They generally place the cooling or heating pad under the plants rather than above to achieve their desired temperatures.

If outdoors, you can protect the Catchfly prairie gentian from frost by covering it with cloths, tarps, burlaps, sheets, or plastic buckets.

Under what conditions should I stop adjusting the temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian?

Heat mats are often left on Catchfly prairie gentian to set the temperatures at a more consistent level. When the weather becomes warmer during the day, you can remove them, especially if the species are exposed to the sun. Put the pads away once the plants are established and when they start growing flowers and fruits.

Why do I need to fertilize my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Plants need nutrients to survive; most gardeners, regardless of experience, are well aware of this factor. However, without food, Catchfly prairie gentian will die out soon after the first pollination. Therefore, providing the right type of nutrients in the right amounts is the best way to keep Catchfly prairie gentian going throughout the blooming season and producing large, beautiful flowers.

Fertilizer also helps Catchfly prairie gentian build a large, healthy root system. This plant needs all the help it can get since its root system is very thin and easily damaged. Fertilizing at planting helps Catchfly prairie gentian build a solid root structure that not only provides stability to the plant, but also sets the stage for a sensational flowering performance. When timed correctly, fertilization can greatly extend Catchfly prairie gentian's flowering period.

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When is the best time to fertilize my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Catchfly prairie gentian puts on tremendous growth early in the growing season, once the danger of the last frost has passed. It’s during this time that Catchfly prairie gentian should be fertilized; more specifically, during planting. The idea is to apply when the plant is first planted in the ground or in planters; however you choose to plant it. This will be the only dose of fertilizer until later in the year, when blooms are in full force.

Once the season is in full swing and Catchfly prairie gentian has opened most of its blooms at full size, it’s time to start fertilizing again. Around the time when blooms are at peak output, begin fertilizing again once every three to four weeks, as weather permits. Then, after Catchfly prairie gentian starts to put out fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there’s no need to fertilize when the plant can’t produce any more blooms.

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When should I avoid fertilizing my Catchfly prairie gentian?

While regular fertilizing is important for Catchfly prairie gentian, it absolutely can be applied at the wrong time. Some situations call for holding back the fertilizer once in a while. These are usually climate related, but they also include a variety of controllable factors. Essentially, when something is wrong with the plant, the soil, or the climate, wait it out until things have been smoothed over and the plant has recovered.

An example of when not to fertilize is if there are severe or unexpected changes in the weather. If a cold nap suddenly comes in the middle of summer, wait until it’s warm again to start fertilizing. The same stands for if the soil becomes too dry or too packed to absorb anything. At this point, fertilizer will be going straight to the roots, rather than being diffused by soil before it reaches them. As you can imagine, the roots of Catchfly prairie gentian aren’t very fond of that.

When temperatures soar during the hottest parts of the day into the 90-degree fahrenheit range, don’t apply fertilizer. Since fertilizer can be broken down at various speeds depending on temperature, it’s especially important not to allow hot temperatures to break it down too quickly. Pests or diseases should also be treated and cleared up before re-fertilizing.

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What type of fertilizer does my Catchfly prairie gentian need?

Most types of Catchfly prairie gentian need the same general balance of nutrients from fertilizer. These should come in the form of a fertilizer that’s formulated specifically for high-yield blooming plants. A fertilizer with a higher level of phosphorus is the best option. This type of fertilizer has a higher P number in its NPK number, for example 10-30-10.

Several fertilizer brands sell a fertilizer that’s perfect for blooming plants like Catchfly prairie gentian, which are an easy and fuss-free way to provide the right nutrients. If you do choose to use a pre-mixed fertilizer, follow the directions on the package to prevent Catchfly prairie gentian from getting too much or too little fertilizer, both of which can cause the plant to grow poorly or even wilt entirely.

How do I fertilize my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Depending on the type of fertilizer you have, specific fertilizing instructions may vary. However, there are a few general tips for applying most types of fertilizer to Catchfly prairie gentian. The first fertilizer application, which should be when you first plant Catchfly prairie gentian, will likely consist of mixing the recommended amount of fertilizer into the soil before planting and watering in the Catchfly prairie gentian.

Subsequent fertilizing may look a little different. For pellet fertilizers, simply mix the pellets into the top inch of soil around the outer edge of the plant, where the roots are. Water them in very well at first, then water regularly after that. Other fertilizers may be mixed into a watering can and applied just like a regular watering. Follow any instructions on fertilizer packaging for consistency, but if you’d rather keep things on a regular schedule, shoot for every three to four weeks.

What happens if I fertilize my Catchfly prairie gentian too much?

Over-fertilizing is a very easy mistake to make for first-time gardeners, or even for experienced gardeners trying out a new product. Fortunately, Catchfly prairie gentian makes this issue known very well by displaying several signs of distress. You may notice that its leaves are yellowing quickly, the foliage may wilt, or new blooms may be under-developed. These are all clear signs of too much food.

When you fertilize Catchfly prairie gentian too frequently, you create uninhabitable soil conditions. Soil may become too hot, which is a term used to describe when soil is too saturated with minerals, nutrients, or compost, and ends up burning the roots of anything planted in it. It’s a good idea to flush out the soil well once a month or so, just by watering twice as much as normal with good drainage.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Catchfly prairie gentian based on 10 million real cases

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

Solutions: If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible. For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface. In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well. If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Alkaline marshes, stream beds, saline coastal areas

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

Purple

White

Pink

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Symbolism

Love, Power

Usages

Garden Use

Gardeners are drawn to Catchly prairie gentian for both its big, showy summer flowers and interestingly-shaped, waxy blue-green foliage. This species is relatively tough and deer-proof, and comes in a variety of cultivars for those who like different flower colors, shades, or patterns. This moisture-loving plant is great for rain gardens, meadow gardens, and any spot in the garden that is sunny but remains damp most of the time.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Gentian

Genus

Prairie gentian

Species

Catchfly prairie gentian

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Most Common Herb

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Catchfly prairie gentian

Eustoma exaltatum

Also known as: Seaside gentian, Small bluebell, Western blue gentian, Marsh gentian

Spring

Planting Time

Care Guide for Catchfly prairie gentian

Water

Moisture-loving, keep the soil moist but do not let water accumulate.

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 10

Planting Time

Spring

Harvest Time

Fall

Tips, advice, and instructions for over 13,000 species that you will find nowhere else

Catchfly prairie gentian

Eustoma exaltatum

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 10

Harvest Time

Fall

Questions About Catchfly prairie gentian

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Catchfly prairie gentian?

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What should I do if I water my Catchfly prairie gentian too much or too little?

Free

How often should I water my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Free

How much water does my Catchfly prairie gentian need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Catchfly prairie gentian enough?

How should I water my Catchfly prairie gentian through the seasons?

How should I water my Catchfly prairie gentian at different growth stages?

What's the difference between watering Catchfly prairie gentian indoors and outdoors?

Is pruning necessary for my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Free

How do I prune my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Free

Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Free

Are there any tips for pruning my Catchfly prairie gentian?

When should/shouldn't I prune my Catchfly prairie gentian?

What should I look for when pruning my Catchfly prairie gentian in different seasons?

How much sunlight should Catchfly prairie gentian get per day to grow healthily?

Free

What type of sunlight does Catchfly prairie gentian need?

Free

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Catchfly prairie gentian from sun and heat damage?

Free

Should I protect Catchfly prairie gentian from sun exposure?

What will happen if Catchfly prairie gentian gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Catchfly prairie gentian need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

How much light does Catchfly prairie gentian need for photosynthesis?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Catchfly prairie gentian?

What is the optimal temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian?

Free

Should I adjust the temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian during different growing phases?

Free

How can I keep Catchfly prairie gentian warm in cold seasons?

Free

How can I save Catchfly prairie gentian from temperature damage?

Should I adjust the temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian in different seasons?

What damage will Catchfly prairie gentian suffer if the temperature is too high/low?

What tips and cautions should I keep in mind when it comes to temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian?

How can I keep Catchfly prairie gentian warm without a heat pad?

How can I provide Catchfly prairie gentian with an adequate temperature condition?

Under what conditions should I stop adjusting the temperature for Catchfly prairie gentian?

Why do I need to fertilize my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Free

When is the best time to fertilize my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Free

When should I avoid fertilizing my Catchfly prairie gentian?

Free

What type of fertilizer does my Catchfly prairie gentian need?

How do I fertilize my Catchfly prairie gentian?

What happens if I fertilize my Catchfly prairie gentian too much?

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Catchfly prairie gentian based on 10 million real cases

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

Learn More

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Learn More

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Learn More

Keep your leafy friends healthy and happy.

Diagnose your plant, and learn how to prevent and treat plant diseases.

Distribution Map

Habitat

Alkaline marshes, stream beds, saline coastal areas

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

Purple

White

Pink

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Symbolism

Love, Power

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Gentian

Genus

Prairie gentian

Species

Catchfly prairie gentian

Related Plants

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Verbesina occidentalis

Tortula moss

Tortula muralis

Washerwoman

Alternanthera caracasana

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Care Guide for Catchfly prairie gentian

Questions About Catchfly prairie gentian

More Questions People Also Ask

Common Pests & Diseases

Distribution Map

Habitat

More Info

Symbolism

Usages

Scientific Classification

Related Plants

Related Articles

Care Guide for Catchfly prairie gentian

Questions About Catchfly prairie gentian

More Questions People Also Ask

Common Pests & Diseases

Distribution Map

Habitat

Map

More Info

Symbolism

Usages

Scientific Classification

Related Plants

Related Articles