Salt Sand Spurrey
spergularia salina
Also known as: ["Saltwort","Sea Spurrey"]
Overview
A small, annual herbaceous plant adapted to saline environments, typically found in coastal areas and salt marshes.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","salt tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Spergularia |
| Botanical Name: | Spergularia salina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens or rockeries
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates coastal and saline conditions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; avoid sudden exposure to intense midday sun; suitable for coastal gardens or containers.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun lover; coastal tolerant; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering.
Soil
sandy, well-draining, slightly saline soil
pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–8.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; add grit if needed.
Temperature
Thrives in warm to hot conditions (20–30°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers mild winters.
Warm-season plant; protect from hard freezes; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize only if necessary; use a low-salt fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; easily propagated from seeds in spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Let them callus.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.
Environment
Warm, bright, and slightly humid conditions.
Medium
Well-draining sandy soil or cactus mix.
Hormone
Not typically required but can help with rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting medium, small pots.
Quick Tips
Use healthy stems; keep soil lightly moist; provide warmth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip back stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged stems to maintain shape.
Tools
Sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove dead growth; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease out roots if compacted.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts in prolonged cold; may suffer root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Provide winter protection in colder zones; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch in excessive heat without adequate water.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter.
Fertilizing Method
Low fertilizer needs; use a diluted balanced fertilizer sparingly in spring/summer if growth is poor.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSpergularia salina is not considered toxic to cats. However, ingestion of significant quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation due to the plant's high salt content, potentially leading to dehydration or electrolyte disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicSpergularia salina is not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's high salt content, which can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicSpergularia salina, commonly known as saltwort or sea spurry, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high salt content and potential for minor irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Spergularia salina toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Where is Spergularia salina commonly found?
A: It is typically found in coastal areas, salt marshes, and saline environments.
Q: How easy is it to care for Spergularia salina?
A: It is very easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance and thriving in harsh conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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