Dentella repens, the creeping dentella, is a slender, prostrate herb that grows in low-lying areas, riverbanks, and clayey soils up to 350 m elevation. It has dichotomous branches that root at the nodes, opposite subsessile leaves, and interpetiolar stipules. The small white funnel-shaped flowers are solitary, axillary, and often borne in V-shaped forks of branches, with a hairy calyx and a two-celled ovary. Flowering and fruiting occur throughout the year, and the species is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Creeping lickstoop is resistant to many diseases and generally not susceptible to them. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens typically don't require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Creeping lickstoop is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require extensive care experience.
How to keep Dentella Repens.
Light
Creeping lickstoop is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it receives natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can adapt to full sun or full shade, showing its versatile and hardy nature.
Water
Creeping lickstoop thrives in environments with balanced moisture levels and also shows tolerance to drought. It is recommended to water it every three weeks. This evergreen plant is commonly found outdoors and performs exceptionally well in containers, where water retention can be more easily controlled.
Temperature
Creeping lickstoop comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Therefore, it is well suited to high heat and moisture. It is sensitive to sudden temperature shifts and favors a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature swings indoors is important. It typically cannot withstand cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Pruning
Creeping lickstoop is a low-growing perennial that's perfect for ground cover. To promote healthy growth, prune it in the spring. This will help remove dead stems and make sure the plant gets enough sunlight. Regular pruning also prevents disease and increases density. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to minimize stress on the plant.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Annual, Perennial
- Genus
- Dentella
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 20 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White, Purple, Pink
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Bhutan, Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand, China
Other names.
