Strawberry geranium
saxifraga stolonifera
Also known as: ["Mother of Thousands","Rockfoil"]
Overview
A creeping perennial with attractive foliage and small white flowers, often grown as a trailing houseplant or ground cover.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus: | Saxifraga |
| Botanical Name: | Saxifraga stolonifera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid room or shaded outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter; mix of peat, perlite, and compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate partial shade but avoid direct sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to bright indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but not frost.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable temperatures; use a humidifier in dry conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize less in winter; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of runners; leaf cuttings can also be used.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone (optional), plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean shears to cut just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent overcrowding.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, clean cloth for sterilization.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/overgrown stems, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, add fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade for a day.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure proper drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky ingredients.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots in cold drafts; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and ensure adequate watering during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSaxifraga stolonifera is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSaxifraga stolonifera is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSaxifraga stolonifera is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Saxifraga stolonifera be watered?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days, depending on conditions.
Q: Does Saxifraga stolonifera require direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can Saxifraga stolonifera be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown outdoors in shaded or partially shaded areas, especially in cooler climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to bright indire |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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