Sagina procumbens aka Birdseye Pearlwort

Taxonomy

Sagina procumbens, also known as procumbent pearlwort, birdeye pearlwort and matted pearlwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is a common weed found throughout the Northern Hemisphere and parts of South America in wild and disturbed habitats, especially moist areas. It can even be found in lawns or pavement cracks. This perennial herb forms clumps or mats of hairless green herbage, sometimes resembling a patch of moss, with linear leaves up to 1-2 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a solitary flower with four or five sepals and four or five small white petals, but the petals are sometimes absent. It spreads by reseeding itself and often forms small colonies of plants with a mossy appearance. To control the spread of Sagina procumbens, appropriate cultural management such as aeration, feeding, and regular mowing can maintain a dense sward and reduce opportunities for bare soil to become a seed bed for Pearlwort. Alternatively, it can be sprayed with a systemic weedkiller that is absorbed through the leaves and kills the root first, followed by the foliage. However, it may need further applications and repeat spraying after 6-8 weeks as it is a persistent weed. Birdeye Pearlwort is a super rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and direct light within 1 foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and should be repotted each time it doubles in size, eliminating the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Birdseye Pearlwort, Bird Eye Pearlwort, Matted Pearlwort

How to care for Birdseye Pearlwort

Difficulty

Birdseye Pearlwort is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Birdseye Pearlwort should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Birdseye Pearlwort 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 Birdseye Pearlwort 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

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Birdseye Pearlwort should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia