Baikal Catchfly Plant Care
Silene baicalensis Turcz.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its lance-shaped leaves with silvery undersides. Originating from China and Russia, Silene baicalensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its medicinal properties, including its use in traditional Chinese medicine for treating inflammation and respiratory issues.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Baikal Catchfly?
Water Baikal Catchfly every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Baikal Catchfly Native To?
What Is the Baikal Catchfly?
Baikal Catchfly (Silene baicalensis) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Silene genus. Baikal Catchfly is native to European Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, the western Himalayas, and Mongolia.
Baikal Catchfly displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Baikal Catchfly produces small, star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Baikal Catchfly?
Silene baicalensis requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Baikal Catchfly Need?
Baikal Catchfly thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Baikal Catchfly Prefer?
Silene baicalensis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Baikal Catchfly prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Baikal Catchfly?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Baikal Catchfly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Baikal Catchfly?
Feed Baikal 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 Baikal 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 Baikal Catchfly?
Baikal Catchfly can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine catchfly plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Baikal Catchfly Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Baikal 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 Baikal Catchfly?
Baikal 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 Baikal Catchfly Need?
Baikal Catchfly grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Baikal Catchfly is native to European Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, the western Himalayas, and Mongolia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Baikal 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.
Baikal 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 baicalensis Turcz., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 15: 575 (1842)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Baikal 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 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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