Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Alpine Catchfly Plant Care
Silene alpestris Jacq.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Silene alpestris, also known as alpine catchfly, is a charming perennial plant with narrow leaves and delicate pink flowers that bloom in clusters. It is native to the alpine regions of Europe and Asia, where it thrives in rocky, well-drained soils.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–70°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Alpine Catchfly?
Water Alpine Catchfly every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Alpine Catchfly Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Alpine Catchfly?
Alpine Catchfly (Silene alpestris) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Silene genus. Alpine Catchfly is native to Europe in the mountains of Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Alpine Catchfly is also known as Alpine Silene.
Alpine Catchfly displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Alpine Catchfly produces small, star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alpine Catchfly?
Silene alpestris requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alpine Catchfly Need?
Alpine Catchfly thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alpine Catchfly Prefer?
Silene alpestris grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Alpine Catchfly prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alpine Catchfly?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Alpine Catchfly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alpine Catchfly?
Feed Alpine Catchfly every 2 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.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Alpine Catchfly?
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 Alpine Catchfly?
Alpine Catchfly can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alpine Catchfly Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alpine Catchfly, 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 Alpine Catchfly?
Alpine Catchfly is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 Alpine Catchfly Need?
Alpine Catchfly grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Alpine Catchfly is native to Europe in the mountains of Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Alpine Catchfly 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 Silene genus — compare its care with other Silene species on PlantoScan.
Silene is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Alpine Catchfly thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Silene Species
Other Silene species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Silene alpestris Jacq., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Fl. Austriac. 1: 60 (1773)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alpine Catchfly, 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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