Slenderleaf Campion Plant Care
Silene tenuifolia Otth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Silene tenuifolia boasts delicate, narrow leaves that create an elegant, fine texture. Originating from Central and Eastern Europe, this plant's attractive appearance and ease of care make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of sophistication to their indoor gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Slenderleaf Campion?
Water Slenderleaf Campion 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 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Slenderleaf Campion Native To?
What Is the Slenderleaf Campion?
Slenderleaf Campion (Silene tenuifolia) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Silene genus. Slenderleaf Campion is native to European Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, the western Himalayas, and Mongolia.
Slenderleaf Campion displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Slenderleaf Campion produces small, star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Slenderleaf Campion?
Silene tenuifolia 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 Slenderleaf Campion Need?
Slenderleaf Campion thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Slenderleaf Campion Prefer?
Silene tenuifolia grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Slenderleaf Campion prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slenderleaf Campion?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Slenderleaf Campion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Slenderleaf Campion?
Feed Slenderleaf Campion 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 Slenderleaf Campion?
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 Slenderleaf Campion?
Slenderleaf Campion can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine catchfly plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Slenderleaf Campion Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slenderleaf Campion, 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 Slenderleaf Campion?
Slenderleaf Campion 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 Slenderleaf Campion Need?
Slenderleaf Campion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Slenderleaf Campion is native to European Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, the western Himalayas, and Mongolia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Slenderleaf Campion 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.
Slenderleaf Campion 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 tenuifolia Otth, family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Prodr. 1: 379 (1824)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slenderleaf Campion, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Slenderleaf Campion 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