Red-stemmed filaree Plant Care

Red-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium) belongs to the Geraniaceae family within the Erodium genus. Red-stemmed filaree is native to Macaronesia, temperate Eurasia and north and northeast Africa, and was introduced to North America in the eighteenth century. Red-stemmed filaree is also known as Common stork's-bill, Alfilaria, Pinweed.

Red-stemmed filaree displays a low mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red-stemmed filaree produces small pink, purple, or white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Erodium cicutarium requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Red-stemmed filaree thrives in full sun to part shade.

Erodium cicutarium grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Red-stemmed filaree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Red-stemmed filaree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red-stemmed filaree every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Red-stemmed filaree can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to stemless stork's-bill plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Red-stemmed filaree is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Red-stemmed filaree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Red-stemmed filaree is native to Macaronesia, temperate Eurasia and north and northeast Africa, and was introduced to North America in the eighteenth century. In cooler regions, grow Red-stemmed filaree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.