Noccaea caerulescens, the alpine penny-cress or alpine pennygrass, is a flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is found in Scandinavia and Europe.
Alpine penny-cress is fairly disease-resistant and typically not prone to illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These infections are usually mild. Regarding care, this plant requires a moderate level of maintenance. Regular pruning is needed to maintain a good appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilization can also help encourage flowering. Alpine penny-cress is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand much care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Noccaea Caerulescens.
Light
Alpine penny-cress comes from bright, open habitats and does best in full sun. It can tolerate partial sun but favors direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which can be annual or biennial, is noted for its sun-loving character.
Water
Alpine penny-cress thrives in environments with moderate moisture but can tolerate short dry spells. It grows best in well-drained soil and requires weekly watering. This hardy plant is adaptable to a range of climates and is ideal for both outdoor gardens and containers, reflecting the hydration conditions of its native alpine habitats.
Temperature
Alpine penny-cress can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its range may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended stretches of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can raise the risk of Alpine penny-cress dying. In winter, protecting the plant from cold can increase its chances of survival.
Fertilizer
Alpine penny-cress are regarded as heavy nutrient feeders. They require frequent, small applications of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers and occasional additions of phosphorus, micronutrients, sulfur, and magnesium to maintain good growth and bright coloration. Continuous fertilization throughout the growing season is needed to prevent deficiency symptoms and preserve optimal growth.
Pruning
The Alpine penny-cress is known for its metallic foliage and its ability to tolerate heavy metals. To help it thrive, prune it from early to late spring. Be sure to trim any damaged stems using clean, angled cuts, but avoid heavy pruning to encourage more flowering. Always use sterilized tools to prevent disease, which will improve both the plant's health and its visual appeal.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Biennial, Perennial
- Genus
- Noccaea
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-8
- Mature Height
- 15 cm to 40 cm
- Mature Spread
- 5 cm to 15 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late spring, Early summer
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Alpine penny-cress plant effectively?
To ensure optimal health for the Alpine penny-cress, it is recommended to water it with filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles that can affect the plant negatively. Additionally, it is important to consider the temperature of the water. Since the Alpine penny-cress originates from a warm environment, using cold water can be a shock to its system. Furthermore, it is best to avoid watering the plant from above, as this can lead to complications with its foliage. Instead, it is advisable to gradually apply the filtered room temperature water directly to the soil until it becomes thoroughly soaked. This method helps to moisturize the roots and facilitate their spread throughout the soil, ensuring proper nutrient absorption.
What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Alpine penny-cress plant?
Alpine penny-cress is susceptible to both overwatering and underwatering. However, overwatering is a more common problem. When this plant receives too much water, its stems and leaves wilt and turn yellow. Overwatering can also lead to diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can be fatal. Underwatering is less common, but still possible. In this case, the leaves become brittle and brown. It's important to recognize the signs of overwatering early. Some diseases caused by overwatering, like root rot, cannot be reversed if left untreated for too long. If you see signs of overwatering, reduce watering immediately. Check the soil and replace it if it drains poorly. If your plant is not receiving enough water, simply increase the frequency of watering until the signs improve.
How often do I need to water my Alpine penny-cress plant?
If your Alpine penny-cress is potted, the best way to determine if it needs water is by sticking your finger in the soil. If the top few inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. The same method can be used for Alpine penny-cress planted directly in the ground. In spring and early fall, watering once a week is usually sufficient. In extremely hot weather, you may need to water twice a week or more. However, mature Alpine penny-cress plants are quite resilient and can tolerate dry conditions.
How much water does my Alpine penny-cress plant need?
When watering your Alpine penny-cress, don't be afraid to give it a generous amount of water. Make sure the top few inches of the soil are dry, and then thoroughly soak the soil. You want to add enough water that it drains through the bottom of the pot. If you don't see any excess water draining, it means you haven't watered enough. However, don't let the water sit in the soil as it can harm the plant. On the other hand, if the water doesn't drain properly, it might be due to poorly draining soil, which is not good for the plant's health. If the plant is outdoors, it usually only needs about 1 inch of rain per week.
How do I water my Alpine penny-cress as it grows?
The water needs of the Alpine penny-cress vary depending on its growth stages. When the plant is young or recently transplanted, it requires more water. During these stages, the plant focuses on developing new roots to support future growth, so it needs additional moisture. As the plant matures, it will require less water. Another stage where increased watering may be necessary is during the bloom period, as flower development requires a significant amount of moisture.
How do I water my Alpine penny-cress as the seasons change?
The Alpine penny-cress has different water needs based on the season. In the summer, when it's hot, this plant will require the most water. You may need to water it more than once a week, depending on how quickly the soil dries. On the other hand, during the winter, the plant goes into a dormant phase and requires much less water. In fact, you may not need to water it at all during this time. However, if you choose to water it in the winter, do so only once a month. Overwatering during winter can increase the chances of the plant getting sick.
How does watering my Alpine penny-cress inside compare to watering it outside?
For gardeners who live outside of temperate and tropical regions, growing Alpine penny-cress indoors is the most common approach. However, it's important to consider that the soil in a container tends to dry out faster compared to ground soil. Additionally, if there are drying elements like air conditioning units, your Alpine penny-cress will require more frequent watering than if it were planted outside. In such cases, watering needs for your Alpine penny-cress outside will likely be minimal, especially if you receive regular rainfall. On the other hand, if you choose to grow this plant indoors, it will require more frequent watering since relying on rainwater to soak the soil is not an option.
