Saxifraga stolonifera – Indoor House Plants

Saxifraga stolonifera is an herbaceous evergreen perennial that spreads out on strawberry-like stolons, eventually forming a mat of green and silver foliage. The leaves are kidney-shaped to almost round, coarsely toothed, 2.5-8 cm in diameter, and borne on 5-8 cm petioles. The leaves are arranged in a tufted rosette and, erect on their petioles, never more 20-25 cm tall. On the upper side, the leaves are mid-green with silver veins, and underneath they are pale violet or reddish. The inflorescence is mounted on a stalk 30-40 cm above the foliage and consists of a loosely branched raceme with numerous white flowers. The flowers are about 2.5 cm across, with two long (10-20 mm) lower petals and three shorter (3 mm) upper petals. There may be violet spots on the little upper petals. The individual flowers usually have five petals. A decoction of strawberry saxifrage can be used in treating fever in infants. Dried strawberry saxifrage is burned and smoked over the affected area to reduce hemorrhoid pain.

Scientific Name: Saxifraga stolonifera
Common Names: Creeping saxifrage, strawberry saxifrage, creeping rockfoil, Aaron’s beard, mother of thousands, roving sailor, wandering Jew, and strawberry begonia or strawberry geranium.

 

 

 

 

 

How to grow and maintain Saxifraga stolonifera:

Light:
It grows well in bright, but not direct sunlight. An east- or even west-facing window is perfect. Direct sun burns a creeping saxifrage Plant and puts holes in the leaves.

Soil:
It prefers a moist well-drained soil, preferably rich in organic matter and any good potting mixing soil.

Temperature:
It thrives best in temperatures between 40-65 degrees F.

Water:
Saxifraga stolonifera plant likes a lot of water during the growing season. Water thoroughly and allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry between waterings. During winter, reduce watering but don’t let it dry out completely.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize weekly during the growing season with a weak liquid fertilizer that includes micronutrients and encourages blooming. Controlled release fertilizer pellets are also excellent. Do not fertilize a Saxifraga stolonifera during the fall and winter.

Propagation:
It can be propagated by Seed or by plant division, but the easiest propagation method is to plant the tiny baby plantlets that grow at the ends of the runners. Seeds can be sown indoors during any season. Maintain a temperature of 65°-75° within the growing medium until germination, which takes 15-20 days.

Pests and Diseases:
No serious pest and disease problems. watch for aphids, slugs, vine weevil grubs, and spider mites.