Red Sand Spurrey

spergularia rubra

Also known as: ["Sand Spurrey","Red Sandwort"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Spergularia Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, herbaceous annual plant with pinkish-red flowers, typically found in sandy or saline soils.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Spergularia
Botanical Name: Spergularia rubra

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, coastal areas, or containers with good drainage
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in brightest spot indoors if grown as a houseplant.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid shaded spots.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

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

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); can tolerate mild frosts.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature indoors.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

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

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist.
  5. Provide warmth and humidity.

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

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but can help speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or trim spent flower stems to promote new growth.

Pruning Plan

Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead or leggy stems; shape plant; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil directly at the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged freezing conditions.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C).

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or wilt in excessive heat; growth may slow.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growing season; 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 growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Spergularia rubra can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, potentially affecting photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health.

Wilting in Spergularia rubra is typically a response to water stress, either due to drought or root issues, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Spergularia rubra may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Spergularia rubra is often caused by fungal pathogens or excessive moisture, leading to decay of root tissues and subsequent decline in plant vigor.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Spergularia rubra is not toxic to cats. Ingestion of the plant does not typically cause adverse health effects.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Spergularia rubra is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion of the plant does not typically cause adverse health effects.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

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

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Spergularia rubra toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Where does Spergularia rubra typically grow?

A: It thrives in sandy or saline soils, often in coastal or disturbed areas.

Q: How easy is it to care for Spergularia rubra?

A: It is very easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance and high tolerance to drought.

Quick Reference
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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