Sea Spurrey

spergula marina

Also known as: ["Marine Spurrey","Seaside Spurrey"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Spergula Category: Flowers

Overview

A coastal annual plant with small, succulent leaves and tiny white flowers, adapted to saline environments.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Spergula
Botanical Name: Spergula marina

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or sandy soil near the sea
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or compacted soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct sun in winter if indoors.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

sandy, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of sand and peat moss; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates frost but prefers mild conditions.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

rarely required, if at all

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–4 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 cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut back leggy stems to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune in early spring; remove dead/damaged growth; shape plant evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.

Checklist

Use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes; water sparingly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target roots precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if frozen.

Solution: Insulate roots with mulch; move potted plants to sheltered areas; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor due to excessive heat and water loss.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Spergula marina may indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, or stress due to environmental factors such as salinity or waterlogging.

Wilting in Spergula marina can result from water stress, either due to drought or excessive water, which affects the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure.

Leaf spots in Spergula marina may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to necrotic lesions that can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Spergula marina is often associated with waterlogged conditions or pathogenic fungi, leading to decay of root tissues and impaired nutrient uptake.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Spergula marina is non-toxic to cats. No toxic effects are documented for feline ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure pets do not consume large quantities of any plant material.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Spergula marina is non-toxic to dogs. No adverse effects are expected from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent overconsumption of any plant material.
Humans
Non-toxic

Spergula marina is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Spergula marina suitable for garden cultivation?

A: It is best suited for coastal or saline environments and may not thrive in typical garden settings.

Q: Does Spergula marina attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees and other pollinators due to its small white flowers.

Q: How does Spergula marina adapt to saline conditions?

A: It has succulent leaves that store water and tolerate salt spray, making it well-adapted to coastal habitats.

Quick Reference
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 2–3 weeks, allowing so
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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