Silene nocturna aka Mediterranean Catchfly
Taxonomy ID: 17994
Silene nocturna is a rare annual herb in the Caryophyllaceae family, found in various habitats such as ditches, wastelands, rocky areas, and forests. It has a self-supporting growth form, simple broad leaves, and can grow up to 0.39 m with erect, usually branched stems. Its flowers are crowded in raceme-like cymes, with pink bifid petal-limbs, and oblong-obovoid calyxes pubescent with ascending hairs. The plant might be poisonous, and can be controlled using cultural and mechanical methods or herbicides. As a houseplant, Silene nocturna needs regular watering, long-lasting direct light, and well-draining soil. Repotting it each time it doubles in size eliminates the need for added fertilizers.
Common names
Mediterranean Catchfly, Silene NocturnaMore information about Mediterranean Catchfly
How difficult is it to take care of Mediterranean Catchfly
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Mediterranean Catchfly due to its easy-going nature.
What are the water needs for Mediterranean Catchfly
Mediterranean Catchfly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Mediterranean Catchfly
Mediterranean Catchfly loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Mediterranean Catchfly
To ensure optimal growth, the Mediterranean Catchfly prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Mediterranean Catchfly
Repotting the Mediterranean Catchfly is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Mediterranean Catchfly toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
More Species in Silene Genus
Silene inaperta
Silene aegyptiaca
Silene cretica Cretan Catchfly
Silene coronaria Rose Campion
Silene nocturna Mediterranean Catchfly
Silene rubella Silene Rubella
Silene undulata Gunpowder Plant
Silene dioica Red Campion
Silene uralensis Polar Campion