Cerastium cordatum Plant Care

Cerastium cordatum (Cerastium cordatum) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Cerastium genus. Cerastium cordatum is native to moist habitats in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, and has been introduced to many places in the tropics and subtropics, including the southeast US, the Caribbean, the Indian Subcontinent, southern China, Japan, and a number of islands.

Cerastium cordatum displays a low mat-forming groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cerastium cordatum produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cerastium cordatum 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.

Cerastium cordatum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cerastium cordatum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Cerastium cordatum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cerastium cordatum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cerastium cordatum 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.

Cerastium cordatum can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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.

Prune Cerastium cordatum 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.

Cerastium cordatum 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.

Cerastium cordatum can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to small-flowered mouse-ear plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cerastium cordatum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. 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.

Cerastium cordatum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cerastium cordatum is native to moist habitats in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, and has been introduced to many places in the tropics and subtropics, including the southeast US, the Caribbean, the Indian Subcontinent, southern China, Japan, and a number of islands. In cooler regions, grow Cerastium cordatum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.