Bubikopf: plants, care & the most beautiful species

The fine shoots of the bob look like wild curls when they grow out of the pot. In the field, the Bubikopf convinces as a groundcover.

the bob haircut (Soleirolia soleirolii) can be kept both as a houseplant and in the garden. With its filigree shoots, it can spread out like a carpet on the ground. The small, shiny leaves then make a pretty picture. We show how to plant and care for the bobbed haircut.

Bobbed hair: characteristics and origin

The bobbed head, or bobbed head, is very popular as a houseplant. The overhanging shoots look like hair growing out of the pot and make for a fun image. The herbaceous, perennial plant is native to the islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Elba. It is the only species in the genus Bubiköpfchen (

Soleirolia), which belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae). But don't worry, the bobbed hair has no stinging hairs.

The long shoots are thin as threads and can grow up to 50 cm long. The small, shiny leaves, which are differently shaped, but usually appear roundish, sit alternately on them. If it is not planted in a pot, the bobbed head forms ground-covering carpets, because new roots can spring up at each node of the shoot. Overall, a maximum growth height of 15 cm is reached.

The bobbed flowers are very inconspicuous in their natural form and only about 1 mm in size, which is why they are often overlooked. But when does the bobbed hair bloom? As a houseplant, the Bubikopf has its flowering period between April and June. In our latitudes, however, flowering on the bobbed head has also been observed outdoors.

The most beautiful bobbed varieties

In addition to the classic bobbed haircut with shiny green, there are other bobbed hair varieties with different colored leaves:

• Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Aurea’: In this variety, the small leaves of the bobbed hair are golden yellow.
• Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Variegata’: The bob haircut ‘Variegata’ developed variegated leaves in green and white.
• Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Argentea’: The bobbed head 'Argentea' shines with slightly silvery foliage.
• Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Aladatase’: The bobbed head 'Aadatase' impresses with a particularly fresh green leaf colour.

By the way: The Blue Bob (Isotoma fluviatilis) is with the bob haircut described here (Soleirolia soleirolii) unrelated.

Planting bobbed hair: location and procedure

You can keep a bob haircut both in the room and in the garden. Although the plant is used to warm temperatures in its homeland, it can even survive the winters in our latitudes.

Bubikopf as a houseplant

In the room, the bob haircut should be in a semi-shady place and not exposed to direct midday sun. The bobbed haircut likes a certain humidity, as well as a room temperature between 18 and 24 °C. A high-quality substrate for indoor plants, such as ours, is ideal Plantura organic universal soil. The structurally stable soil stores the irrigation water over a longer period of time, while the roots get enough air at the same time. When you plant the bob, it is worth making a small mound of earth and then inserting the bob. This creates a pretty hemispherical shape.

Tip: The bob haircut also likes increased humidity, but should not be sprayed. In winter, water bowls on the heater help against dry air.

bob haircut as garden plant

In the garden, the bobbed head is used in areas with milder winters as ground cover or for greening walls. It is also best placed outside in partial shade. Loose, nutrient-rich garden soil is ideal for the bobbed haircut. In poorer soils you can use a little slow-release fertilizer, such as ours Plantura organic universal fertilizer, work in so that the bob haircut is optimally cared for. Our fertilizer is not only harmless for pets and garden animals, but also supports active soil life thanks to the primarily organic formula. The bob haircut can tolerate frosty temperatures of up to – 10 °C and more for a short time. The shoots usually freeze back, but the plant will sprout again in spring.
To plant the bobbed, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, put it in and fill it up with soil. Plant four to five individual plants per square meter to quickly achieve dense growth. If you have not fertilized, do not fill the hole with garden soil, but with Plantura organic universal soil up – it ensures a good start to growth. Finally, the bobbed hair is poured on.

The right care for the bob haircut

If you want to care for a bob haircut, you should provide it with water and nutrients, especially during the growth phase. Cut back as needed or when the leaves turn brown due to the dense growth habit.

Water, cut and fertilize

The main part of bob hair care is watering. Since the plant needs a lot of water, you should water the bobbed head regularly, from below into the planter. From there the plant gets the moisture it needs. After about 15 minutes you can pour off the excess water. Outside, pour directly into the soil. Of course, the drier and hotter the weather, the more frequently it has to be watered. Once the root ball has dried out, even if only for a short time, the bobbed head has a hard time recovering. However, since waterlogging is not tolerated either and is acknowledged with brown leaves, regular but moderate watering is essential.

The bobbed hair only needs nutrients in the growth phase from spring to autumn. During this time, fertilize the bobbed hair every four weeks with a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer, such as ours Plantura organic flower & balcony fertilizer. This contains more nitrogen than potassium, which supports the development of lush green leaves.

If the bob haircut grows too big for you, so the hairstyle no longer fits properly, you can always grab the scissors and cut it back. However, pruning is best tolerated in summer or spring. The separated shoots can be used excellently for propagation in spring.

Spring is also the best time for repotting. If the old pot is rooted through or the bobbed grows too compact, it should be moved to a larger container with fresh soil. Fill the pot with a little more substrate so that there is a slight mound in which to insert the bobbed head. This is how you get the spherical shape. This step is not necessary in the garden, as the bobbed hair grows there as a flat ground cover.

Bobbed hair dries up or turns brown: what to do?

Brown leaves on plants are often due to care errors. But other causes can also be responsible for leaf discoloration. With the bobbed head, for example, it is the dense growth that can lead to discoloration of the leaves.

• Growth: Since the bobbed grows very densely and forms many leaves, it is normal for some leaves in the pot to turn brown at the bottom. In this case, you should cut the bobbed head: Either only the affected shoots, or the bobbed head receives a pruning as a whole. It will then sprout green again.
• Light: Too much sunlight can cause leaf damage and brown leaves. Place the bobbed haircut in a semi-shady place with indirect light.
• Dryness: To ensure that the bobbed hair does not dry out, regular watering is essential. It is best to pour into the coaster from below and wait about 15 minutes until the bobbed hair has absorbed as much moisture as necessary.
• wetness: Waterlogging can also become a problem. The water that is not required must be removed from the cachepot. If the bobbed hair has been wet for too long, you should repot it and next time remove excess water.

How do you care for a bob haircut?

• Water regularly from below
• Remove excess water after 15 min
• Supply with nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks from spring to autumn
• Cut back if necessary
• Winter cool and bright

Hibernate bobbed hair

In order to overwinter the bobbed head outdoors, you should cut back the plant in autumn and protect it from low temperatures with a layer of mulch made of leaves or straw.
As a houseplant, it is best to place the bobbed head in a bright and cooler place at around 12 to 18 °C, water it a little less and do not fertilize. Nevertheless, the root ball should always be moist.

Is the bobbed hair hardy? The Bubikopf is conditionally hardy. Although it comes from areas with mild winters, you are on the safe side by spending the winter indoors. However, bobbed heads have also been observed that have survived severe winters unscathed.

propagation

In order to multiply the bobbed head, shoot cuttings are used - i.e. the parts of the plant that remain after pruning. The cuttings form new roots easily and can be placed directly in pots with universal soil. If you keep the substrate evenly moist, the shoots will take root quickly, even at room temperature. Alternatively, you can carefully divide the bobbed head when repotting in spring and plant each plant in its own container.

Is the bobbed poisonous?

Whether for cats or dogs - the bobbed haircut is non-toxic. So you don't have to worry about your pets.

The bobbed head can tolerate frosts for a certain period of time. But if you want to be on the safe side, we have a selection for you hardy ground cover, which survive the cold season without any problems.