Slender Microsteris Plant Care
Microsteris gracilis (Hook.) Greene
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Microsteris is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the phlox family containing the single species Microsteris gracilis, known by the common name slender phlox.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Slender Microsteris?
Slender Microsteris grows best in full sun to partial shade.
What Is the Slender Microsteris?
Slender Microsteris (Microsteris gracilis) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Microsteris genus. Slender Microsteris is also known as California Field Mouse-ear.
Slender Microsteris displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Slender Microsteris produces small, delicate bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white.
What Light Does the Slender Microsteris Need?
Slender Microsteris thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slender Microsteris?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Slender Microsteris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Slender Microsteris?
Repot every 1-2 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.
How Do You Propagate a Slender Microsteris?
Slender Microsteris can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.
Is the Slender Microsteris Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slender Microsteris, 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 Slender Microsteris?
Slender Microsteris 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.
Keep exploring plants
Slender Microsteris 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 Microsteris genus — compare its care with other Microsteris species on PlantoScan.
Microsteris is part of the Polemoniaceae plant family — browse all Polemoniaceae genera and species.
Slender Microsteris 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: Microsteris gracilis (Hook.) Greene, family Polemoniaceae (first published in Pittonia 3: 300 (1898)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slender Microsteris, 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.
- 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.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Slender Microsteris Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species