Green Carpet
herniaria glabra
Also known as: ["Rupturewort","Smooth Rupturewort"]
Overview
A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with small, bright green leaves and inconspicuous flowers, often used as a ground cover.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","ground cover","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Herniaria |
| Botanical Name: | Herniaria glabra |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or as a ground cover in sunny, dry areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°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, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on shaping and removing unsightly growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) or bright indirect light. Adjust for intense summer sun by providing partial shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade if outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains in very bright indoor settings; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers warm to hot conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in heat.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 6–8 weeks during active growth with a balanced, diluted fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are the most common method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus/succulent soil.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or trim stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or leggy stems to improve appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape as desired; avoid over-pruning.
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 holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when roots fill the pot or every 2–3 years to refresh soil.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or gravel to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme cold or heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; reduce watering; provide frost protection if outdoors in cold climates.
Hot Stress
Can lead to leaf scorch, dehydration, and wilting if not provided adequate water and some shade.
Solution: Water deeply; provide afternoon shade; increase humidity if indoors; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHerniaria glabra is not considered toxic to cats. The plant has no known adverse effects on feline health when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicHerniaria glabra is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from ingestion of this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicHerniaria glabra is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used in traditional medicine for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, with no significant toxic effects reported under normal use.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Herniaria glabra suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it is well-suited for rock gardens due to its low-growing habit and tolerance to poor, dry soils.
Q: Does Herniaria glabra require frequent watering?
A: No, it is highly drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soils.
Q: Can Herniaria glabra be grown in full shade?
A: Yes, it tolerates partial to full shade, though it may spread more slowly in deep shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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