Caryophyllaceae
Baby's Breath: Fast Growing
Gypsophila
Grow in full sun with well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Water moderately, letting the top inch of soil dry between waterings, and avoid soggy conditions which invite root and crown rot. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering.
Every 7-10 days
Bright indirect
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Baby's Breath?
Baby's Breath (Gypsophila) is a easy-care plant from the Caryophyllaceae family. Gypsophila, commonly known as baby's breath, is a genus of airy, cloud-like flowering plants in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Prized for its cascades of tiny white or pale pink blooms on wiry, branching stems, it is a classic filler flower in bouquets and garden borders, and forms a mounde...
Baby's Breath grows up to 90cm, spread of 90cm. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Baby's Breath tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Baby's Breath?
TLDR: Baby's Breath needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Baby's Breath?
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry; the deep taproot makes it fairly drought-tolerant once established, but consistently soggy soil leads to root rot.
How Much Light Does Baby's Breath Need?
Needs full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily, or stems become leggy and flop.
What Is the Best Soil for Baby's Breath?
Plant in light, well-draining, slightly alkaline to neutral soil; heavy or acidic soil should be avoided.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Baby's Breath and Where Does It Come From?
Gypsophila, commonly known as baby's breath, is a genus of airy, cloud-like flowering plants in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Prized for its cascades of tiny white or pale pink blooms on wiry, branching stems, it is a classic filler flower in bouquets and garden borders, and forms a mounded, drought-hardy clump once established.
How Big Does Baby's Breath Grow?
TLDR: Baby's Breath can reach up to 90cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Baby's Breath?
TLDR: Baby's Breath is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes everlasting love, purity, and innocence; widely used in weddings and bouquets
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
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Sources & References
- Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata) Care Guide - Forward Plant
- How to Grow and Care for Gypsophila (Baby's Breath) - BBC Gardeners World
- How to Grow Baby's Breath (Gypsophila) - The Old Farmer's Almanac
- Baby's Breath: How to Grow and Care with Success - Gardenia.net
- Diseases of Gypsophila - SpringerLink
- Baby's Breath, Gypsophila - UC Davis Postharvest Research
- Why Is My Gypsophila Dying: Diagnosing Common Baby's Breath Problems - Gardening Know How