Plant Care Common Flax

Common Flax

About Common Flax

The leaves of this plant are simple, alternate, narrow and smooth-margined. The flowers are pale blue, 5-parted, the petals broad and spreading, and the fruit a capsule.

Taxonomy

Linum usitatissimum
Linum
Linaceae
Malpighiales

Also known as

Flax, Common flax and Linseed,

How to care for Common Flax

💦 Water

How often to water your Common Flax

Water needs for Common Flax
0.5 cups
every 9

Common Flax needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Common Flax

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Common Flax in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Common Flax: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Common Flax love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Common Flax does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Common Flax in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Common Flax

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Common Flax: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Common Flax after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Common Flax prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Common Flax requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Common Flax is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.


🪴 Soil

Common Flax does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Common Flax grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Common Flax can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-8b. Find your local hardiness zone here.


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Common Flax

Common Flax

Common Flax


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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