Hairy Saxifrage
saxifraga hirsuta
Also known as: ["Hairy Saxifrage"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with hairy stems and leaves, native to mountainous regions.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus: | Saxifraga |
| Botanical Name: | Saxifraga hirsuta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or shaded indoor containers
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix with peat, perlite, and sand; slightly acidic to neutral.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- 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 foliage at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; adjust to morning sun in winter, dappled shade in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; avoid harsh afternoon sun; place in east-facing windows or shaded outdoor spots.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct midday sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but allow excess to drain; avoid waterlogging; maintain consistent moisture in growing season.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Ideal 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler in winter (50–60°F) to encourage dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from vents; maintain stable conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, warm (65–75°F) conditions.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean cuts just above leaf nodes.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushiness; shape as needed.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead growth, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too big to avoid waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, ensure drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prevents overcrowding.
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 directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without saturating; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration even if soil is moist.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, use shade cloth outdoors.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; cease in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSaxifraga hirsuta is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts when ingested or handled by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSaxifraga hirsuta is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts when ingested or handled by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSaxifraga hirsuta is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Saxifraga hirsuta toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How often should Saxifraga hirsuta be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Saxifraga hirsuta attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it can attract bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowering nature.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Saxifragaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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