Paper Nailwort Plant Care

Paper Nailwort (Paronychia chartacea) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Paronychia genus. Paper Nailwort is native to the Florida Panhandle.

Paper Nailwort displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Paper Nailwort produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Paper Nailwort every 7–14 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.

Paper Nailwort thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Paronychia chartacea tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Paper Nailwort prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Paper Nailwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Paper Nailwort 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.

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

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

Paper Nailwort 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.

Paper Nailwort 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 Paper Nailwort 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.

Paper Nailwort 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.

Paper Nailwort can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ahart's nailwort plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Paper Nailwort is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, flea beetles. 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.

Paper Nailwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Paper Nailwort is native to the Florida Panhandle. In cooler regions, grow Paper Nailwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.