Pearlwort
sagina procumbens
Also known as: ["Common Pearlwort","Procumbent Pearlwort"]
Overview
A low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb with small, succulent leaves and tiny white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Sagina |
| Botanical Name: | Sagina procumbens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or as a ground cover in cooler climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control spread.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of sunlight per day, with protection from intense midday sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to outdoor light; avoid direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a shaded area if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Use a mix of peat and sand; avoid overwatering; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions in summer.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from drafty areas; maintain consistent cool temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for Sagina procumbens.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 2–3 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone (optional), plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and temperatures around 65–75°F (18–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean shears to cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged stems as needed.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged stems, use clean tools, prune to shape, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; Sagina procumbens prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Check root health, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
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 to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf discoloration or dieback in temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors or to a sheltered location in cold weather; use a heat source if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown spots in temperatures above 80°F (27°C).
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently; avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume significant amounts of Sagina procumbens. The saponins in the plant can cause digestive upset, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of large amounts of Sagina procumbens can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicSagina procumbens, commonly known as Pearlwort, contains saponins which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant amounts. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pearlwort invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in lawns and garden beds due to its rapid spreading habit.
Q: Does Pearlwort require much care?
A: No, it is very low maintenance and thrives in poor, dry soils.
Q: Can Pearlwort be grown indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, though it can survive in a cool, bright indoor setting with high humidity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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