Fragaria chiloensis aka Beach Strawberry
Taxonomy
Fragaria chiloensis, also known as the beach strawberry, Chilean strawberry, or coastal strawberry, is a low-growing, spreading perennial plant native to the Pacific Ocean coasts of North and South America. This species played a crucial role in the hybridization process that led to the creation of the modern garden strawberry. It features glossy dark green leaves held on pinkish-red leaf stalks, forming a dense ground cover. The plant produces large white flowers in April to May, followed by red fruits with a paler center that ripen from June to July. Fragaria chiloensis is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for seed production, and is primarily pollinated by insects. It thrives in well-drained soil with a preference for moist conditions and can tolerate light woodland or no shade. While it can withstand strong winds, it is not adapted to maritime exposure.
Common names
Beach Strawberry, Chilean Strawberry, Chiloe Strawberry, Pine StrawberryHow to care for Beach Strawberry
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Beach Strawberry due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Beach Strawberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Beach Strawberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Beach Strawberry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Beach Strawberry does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
Once the Beach Strawberry has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Beach Strawberry’s native range is Temperate Northern Hemisphere and Southern South America.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Fragaria Genus

Fragaria ananassa Garden Strawberry

Fragaria viridis Green Strawberry

Fragaria nipponica

Fragaria daltoniana

Fragaria iinumae

Fragaria nilgerrensis Huang Mao Cao Mei

Fragaria Strawberry

Fragaria nubicola

Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry
