Saxifraga stolonifera aka Mother Of Thousands
Taxonomy
Saxifraga stolonifera, also known as creeping saxifrage, strawberry saxifrage, creeping rockfoil, Aaron's beard, mother of thousands, roving sailor, or strawberry begonia, is a perennial flowering plant. This herbaceous perennial has long, slender red stolons that bear plantlets. It can grow up to 30cm in height and has rounded hairy dark green leaves, measuring up to 10cm across, with silvery veins above and reddish underneath. The plant produces small white flowers in panicles. Strawberry Begonia, as it is commonly called, is an excellent addition to any room with its big oval leaves that range in hues from dark green to bronze and deep burgundy. Not only does it add aesthetic appeal, but it also acts as an air purifier. Originating from Asia and belonging to the Saxifragaceae family, this plant typically reaches a height of 6 to 18 inches, although its flower stems can grow up to 10 inches in optimal conditions. It is commonly grown in containers and hanging pots indoors but is also cultivated as a ground cover in gardens. When in bloom, it can produce up to 60 white, star-shaped flowers. The green leaves of Saxifraga stolonifera have a purple underside, and with sufficient light, the upper edges take on a reddish tint.
Common names
Mother Of Thousands, Creeping Saxifrage, Strawberry SaxifrageHow to care for Mother Of Thousands
Difficulty
Mother Of Thousands requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Mother Of Thousands should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Mother Of Thousands 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 Mother Of Thousands 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.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Mother Of Thousands to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Humidity
The Mother Of Thousands does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The Mother Of Thousands should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Mother Of Thousands’s native range is Temperate Northern Hemisphere.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Saxifraga Genus
Saxifraga pubescens Hairy Saxifrage
Saxifraga spathularis St Patrick's Cabbage
Saxifraga bryoides Moss Saxifrage
Saxifraga fortunei
Saxifraga cernua Nodding Saxifrage
Saxifraga aizoides Yellow Mountain Saxifrage
Saxifraga sibirica Bract Saxifrage
Saxifraga rotundifolia Round Leaf Saxifrage
