Mollis Achyrachaena Plant Care
Achyrachaena mollis Schauer
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The only species in the monotypic genus Achyrachaena is the annual herb Achyrachaena mollis, which bears the common name blow-wives. The genus name is both singular and plural.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mollis Achyrachaena?
Plant Mollis Achyrachaena in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Mollis Achyrachaena?
Mollis Achyrachaena (Achyrachaena mollis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Achyrachaena genus. Mollis Achyrachaena is also known as Soft Strawbeak, Lepidostephanus madioides.
Mollis Achyrachaena displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Mollis Achyrachaena produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mollis Achyrachaena?
Water a young or newly planted Mollis Achyrachaena every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Mollis Achyrachaena Need?
Mollis Achyrachaena thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mollis Achyrachaena Prefer?
Achyrachaena mollis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Mollis Achyrachaena prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mollis Achyrachaena?
Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Mollis Achyrachaena to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mollis Achyrachaena?
Feed Mollis Achyrachaena every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Mollis Achyrachaena?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Mollis Achyrachaena is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Mollis Achyrachaena?
Mollis Achyrachaena can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Mollis Achyrachaena?
Prune Mollis Achyrachaena while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Mollis Achyrachaena in Winter?
Mollis Achyrachaena is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Mollis Achyrachaena?
Mollis Achyrachaena can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Mollis Achyrachaena Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mollis Achyrachaena, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mollis Achyrachaena?
Mollis Achyrachaena is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mollis Achyrachaena Need?
Mollis Achyrachaena grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Mollis Achyrachaena as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Mollis Achyrachaena is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Achyrachaena genus — compare its care with other Achyrachaena species on PlantoScan.
Achyrachaena is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Mollis Achyrachaena thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Achyrachaena mollis Schauer, family Asteraceae (first published in Del. Sem. Hort. Bot. Vratisl. Coll. [3]. 1837) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mollis Achyrachaena, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
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