Kallstroemia parviflora, also called small-flowered carpetweed or warty caltrop, is found in the United States, and extends as far south as Central America. From east to west, it can be found from Illinois to Arizona. It is an orange or yellow small-flowered annual, with zygomorphic flowers consistent with the Zygophyllaceae, or creosote-bush family, to which it belongs. Leaves are compound and are 3–6 cm, with 4 pairs leaflets. The stem is pubescent and 30–60 cm. Flowers measure at 1 cm, while the ovoid fruit measures at 4 mm. The plant prefers dry soils and can be found in locations such as near roads and railroads.
Warty caltrop is fairly disease-resistant and typically not prone to illnesses. That said, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. These problems are usually mild. In terms of care, the plant requires moderate maintenance. Regular pruning is needed to keep a tidy appearance and encourage healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help stimulate flowering. Warty caltrop is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Kallstroemia Parviflora.
Light
Warty caltrop comes from sunny, open habitats where it does best in full sun. It can tolerate some partial shade but prefers direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which can be annual or biennial, is known for its sun-loving nature.
Temperature
Warty caltrop comes from tropical areas where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is suited to high temperatures and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It typically cannot endure cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even perish.
Fertilizer
Warty caltrop benefits from regular, dilute fertilizer applications to encourage healthy leaf development. You should fertilize Warty caltrop about once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is important for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich sources helps Warty caltrop thrive.
Pruning
Warty caltrop benefits from pruning during early to late spring. This process involves removing dead stems to promote growth and improve the plant's shape. Regular pruning supports blooming, helps control its invasive tendencies, and reduces the risk of disease. To ensure effective regrowth, always use clean, sharp tools.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Kallstroemia
- Family
- Zygophyllaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm to 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Warty caltrop plant?
To water Warty caltrop, you have various options, such as using a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or any other common watering tool. This plant isn't too particular about the type of water it receives - it can thrive with rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. However, it's generally recommended not to water Warty caltrop from above as this can harm the leaves and flowers and potentially cause disease. A drip irrigation system is often a good choice for watering this plant because it provides even and direct watering to the soil. If you have a container-grown Warty caltrop, you can still use a similar watering method, but using tools like a cup, watering can, or tap to apply water directly to the soil.
How many hours of sunlight should Warty caltrop get each day to grow well?
To ensure the well-being of your plants, they should receive a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. However, they particularly thrive with extra morning sunlight during the summer. The Warty caltrop, in particular, requires abundant sunlight to thrive. Increased light not only aids in their food production, but also enhances their ability to produce stunning flowers and survive.
What should I do if I give my Warty caltrop too much or too little water?
If you notice that your Warty caltrop plant is lacking moisture, the remedy is simple: start watering it more regularly. However, overwatering can be a serious issue if not addressed early. Overwatered plants are at risk of contracting diseases that can cause them to decline and die. To prevent this, choose a growing location that receives ample sunlight to dry out the soil and has good drainage to prevent water from pooling. If your potted Warty caltrop is overwatered, consider changing it to a new pot with proper drainage. When repotting, use loose soil and ensure the new pot drains efficiently.
What kind of sunlight does Warty caltrop require?
The Warty caltrop thrives in full sunlight. To ensure even sun exposure, avoid crowding them together. It's important not to deprive the leaves of sunlight. If planting in pots, place the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and make sure they receive full sunlight throughout the year. Partial or filtered light is not ideal as it may result in weak stems and unhealthy flowers. It's crucial to always keep the Warty caltrop exposed to the sun.
How often do I need to water my Warty caltrop plant?
Warty caltrop requires regular watering throughout the growing season. In spring, water once a week, but as the season progresses and it gets hotter, increase watering to two to three times a week. Be careful not to exceed this amount as it can harm the plant. Make sure the soil remains moist but not wet, regardless of how often you water. Watering a potted Warty caltrop is a little different. Potted soil dries out faster, so water container-grown plants a few times per week, compared to just once a week for plants in the ground.
Does sunlight harm plants? What can be done to keep Warty caltrop safe from sun and heat damage?
The Warty caltrop can be damaged by extreme temperatures, especially when it's above 90°F (32°C) and exposed to many hours of sun. To protect the plant, it's best to provide some shade in the afternoon during the summer. It's important to keep in mind that the summer sunlight is stronger and lasts 50% longer than in winter. If the Warty caltrop is stressed from sunlight, it's recommended to keep them well hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry. If the weather is too hot outside, especially for potted plants, consider moving them indoors. During the day, it's normal for the plant leaves to wilt, but they usually recover at night. However, if the Warty caltrop continues to droop, it means the plant is losing water quickly and needs to be watered.
How much water does my Warty caltrop plant need?
Determining the appropriate amount of water for your Warty caltrop can be done in a few ways. Some gardeners prefer to gauge the moisture level of the soil by touch, suggesting watering until the top six inches of soil feel moist. Another approach is to use a specific measurement, such as around two gallons per week, taking into account factors like temperature and soil dryness. However, strictly following these guidelines may result in overwatering if your plant doesn't require that much water. When growing your Warty caltrop in a container, a different method is necessary. It is advised to water enough to moisten all dry layers of soil, which can be checked by inserting your finger into the soil or watering until you observe water trickling from the pot's drainage holes.
Do I need to shield Warty caltrop from the sun?
The Warty caltrop is a sun-loving plant that thrives when exposed to the sun. However, some species of the plant are heliotropic, meaning they follow the sun's movements throughout the day. If you are planting them in a garden, it is recommended to place them in a south-facing area so they can receive sun exposure from morning to afternoon. It's worth noting that although the sun is beneficial, some Warty caltrop plants can get sunburned. To prevent this, you can provide them with shade in the afternoon and midday by placing them under a tree or against a wall. Keep in mind that growing the Warty caltrop in shady areas is not possible as the larger flowers they produce require a significant amount of energy, which only full sun conditions can provide. For the best results, always ensure that the Warty caltrop is planted in an area with ample sunlight.
How do I know if I'm giving enough water to my Warty caltrop plant?
Avoiding overwatering your Warty caltrop can be tricky because of conflicting needs. On one hand, the plants have deep roots that require weekly soil moistening. However, Warty caltrop are highly prone to root rot and may develop browning from excessive watering. Underwatering is not as concerning as these plants can endure without extra water for a while. However, if you wait too long to water, they will likely start wilting and may have dry leaves.
What will happen if Warty caltrop doesn't get enough sunlight?
If the Warty caltrop doesn't get enough sunlight or is placed in shaded areas, it will experience slower photosynthesis. Lack of sunlight causes the stems to become thin and long as they try to find more sunlight, resulting in leggy growth. In shaded conditions, the plant will not bloom or produce seeds. Insufficient sunlight can also lead to the death of older leaves, lighter coloration of new leaves compared to old ones, and smaller overall growth. Although the Warty caltrop thrives in sunny conditions, it can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light in the summer. To protect the plant, consider using a net with a green shade to shield the leaves and flowers from scorching. Indoors, you can use a fan to lower the temperature.
How should I give water to my Warty caltrop plants throughout the different seasons?
As the season progresses, the water needs of your Warty caltrop will gradually increase. In spring, you should water it once per week. However, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to water it more frequently, up to three times per week. This is especially important if your Warty caltrop is planted in a container, as the soil in containers tends to dry out faster in warm weather. In autumn, when your Warty caltrop is still blooming, you can reduce the watering slightly as temperatures cool down and the sun becomes less intense.
Do Warty caltrops need specific sunlight care at different stages of growth?
The Warty caltrop needs more light when it is growing compared to when it is mature. It is important for the younger ones to get sufficient light, but they may not be ready for intense sunlight, especially if they were grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the sun during the summer, so the lighting should be increased gradually and slowly.