Photo: Евгений БологовCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Sticky Campion Plant Care
Silene viscosa Pers.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its vibrant, sticky leaves that are covered in glandular hairs. Silene viscosa originates from the Mediterranean region and is sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and drought-tolerant qualities. Its bright green foliage and delicate pink flowers make it a standout addition to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sticky Campion?
Water Sticky Campion every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Sticky Campion Native To?
What Is the Sticky Campion?
Sticky Campion (Silene viscosa) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Silene genus. Sticky Campion is native to cool-temperate areas of eastern Europe, western Siberia, and western and central Asia, and has been introduced to Germany. Sticky Campion is also known as Sticky Catchfly.
Sticky Campion displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Sticky Campion produces small, star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sticky Campion?
Silene viscosa requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sticky Campion Need?
Sticky Campion thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sticky Campion Prefer?
Silene viscosa grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Sticky Campion prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sticky Campion?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sticky Campion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sticky Campion?
Feed Sticky Campion every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sticky 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 Sticky Campion?
Sticky Campion can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine catchfly plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sticky Campion Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sticky 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 Sticky Campion?
Sticky 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 Sticky Campion Need?
Sticky Campion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Sticky Campion is native to cool-temperate areas of eastern Europe, western Siberia, and western and central Asia, and has been introduced to Germany.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Sticky 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.
Sticky 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 viscosa Pers., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Syn. Pl. 1: 497 (1805)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sticky 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.
- Photo: Евгений Бологов, CC BY 4.0, 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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