Rupturewort
herniaria hirsuta
Also known as: ["Common Rupturewort","Hernia Plant"]
Overview
A low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb with small, hairy leaves and inconspicuous greenish flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","ground cover","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Herniaria |
| Botanical Name: | Herniaria hirsuta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or as a ground cover in dry, sunny areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, well-draining soil with minimal organic matter
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
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure bright light indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in intense sun; place near south-facing window.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic content
pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–7.5)
Avoid heavy, clay-based soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; use gritty mix for best results.
Temperature
Prefers warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); hardy to mild frosts but thrives in heat.
Avoid drafts; maintain consistent warmth; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; feed only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Let callus for a day.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing
Environment
Warm, humid, bright indirect light; protect from direct sun
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and sand
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining mix
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
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; remove dead or leggy stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/leggy growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot)
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease apart roots; ensure pot has drainage holes
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound, as it prefers slightly crowded conditions.
Checklist
Check root crowding; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; minimal root disturbance.
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 saturation without pooling. 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 prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; use limestone to raise pH if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves (cold); scorching, stunted growth (excessive heat).
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may enter dormancy; roots susceptible to rot in cold, wet soil.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; reduce watering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, dehydration, and reduced vigor in extreme heat without adequate water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly in growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHerniaria hirsuta is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented reports of adverse effects in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicHerniaria hirsuta is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicHerniaria hirsuta is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has not been documented to cause adverse effects when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Herniaria hirsuta toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How does Herniaria hirsuta grow?
A: It forms a dense mat and spreads via stolons, thriving in poor, dry soils.
Q: What are the uses of Herniaria hirsuta?
A: Traditionally used for its diuretic properties and as a ground cover in landscaping.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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