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Description
Geophila Repens, also known as creeping Charlie, is a small flowering plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is a creeping groundcover that can grow up to 6 inches tall and spread up to 2 feet wide.The leaves of Geophila Repens are small, oval-shaped, and glossy. The stems are thin and wiry, and the flowers are small and white with yellow centers. This plant is low-maintenance and is an excellent choice for groundcover in gardens and landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus||—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|| Eukarya| Plantae| Angiosperms| Eudicots| Gentianales| Rubiaceae| Geophila|
Appearance
Geophila Repens is a low-growing plant that forms a mat of small, glossy leaves. The stems are thin and wiry and can be up to 2 feet long. The flowers are small and white with yellow centers and bloom throughout the year.This plant is often used as a groundcover because it spreads quickly and can cover bare areas of soil. It is also a great addition to rock gardens and between stepping stones.
Care Guide
Geophila Repens is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: Geophila Repens prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells.- Fertilization: This plant does not need a lot of fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Geophila Repens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.- Hardiness Zones: Geophila Repens is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Geophila Repens is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Root rot: This can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. If you notice your plant’s leaves turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign of root rot.- Snails and slugs: These pests can eat holes in your plant’s leaves. Use a natural snail and slug repellent to keep them away.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of your plant’s leaves. Use a neem oil spray to control spider mites.
Habitat
Geophila Repens is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Central and South America and the Caribbean. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.This plant is often found growing in the understory of forests and along streams and rivers. It is also commonly used as a groundcover in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Geophila Repens a good plant for erosion control?A: Yes, Geophila Repens is an excellent plant for erosion control because it spreads quickly and forms a dense mat.Q: Can Geophila Repens be grown indoors?A: Yes, this plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight.Q: Does Geophila Repens attract pollinators?A: Yes, the small white flowers of this plant attract bees and other pollinators.Q: How often should I water Geophila Repens?A: Water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Geophila Repens prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought.
Related Plants
– Asperula Odorata- Galium Aparine- Galium Odoratum- Sherardia Arvensis
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Geophila repens. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287483&isprofile=0&- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Creeping Charlie – Geophila repens. Retrieved from https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/shrub_fact_sheets/georepa.pdf
