Strawberry saxifrage (Saxifraga stolonifera)

Also known as: Mother of thousands, Roving sailor, Strawberry begonia, Wandering jew

Strawberry saxifrage (Saxifraga stolonifera) can thrive at elevations up to 4,500 meters due to its low-growing nature, which helps it withstand strong winds. It is a popular choice for ground cover because its rounded leaves, which take on a golden hue in sunlight and remain green in the shade, create an attractive appearance. Additionally, its stolons produce numerous small plantlets that easily root and spread, forming a dense, weed-suppressing mat.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Strawberry saxifrage

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

8 cm to 45 cm

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Silver White Gray Red Variegated

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Strawberry saxifrage

Quickly Identify Strawberry saxifrage

Heart-shaped leaves with vibrant green top and rich red underside.

One-inch white flowers with spotting on asymmetrical petals.

Stoloniferous growth forming spreading mat with thread-like runners.

Leaves measure 2-4 inches in diameter, gray-green with silvery veins.

Leaves on 8-inch stalks, purplish-maroon underside, spread up to 24 inches.

Scientific Classification of Strawberry saxifrage

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Family

Saxifrage

Genus

Saxifrages

Species

Strawberry saxifrage

Planting and Growing of Strawberry saxifrage

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Strawberry saxifrage?

When watering Saxifraga stolonifera, aim to thoroughly moisten the soil until water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. This typically requires about 250 milliliters per watering session, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged.

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More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Strawberry saxifrage?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 4 hours

Partial sun to full shade is preferred, allowing Saxifraga stolonifera to thrive without the risk of direct sun damage. Suitable lighting ensures vibrant foliage and robust growth while reducing stress and susceptibility to pests.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Strawberry saxifrage?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Saxifraga stolonifera is between 60°F and 75°F. This range promotes optimal growth and health for the plant, ensuring that it can thrive and display its characteristic foliage and flowering. Maintaining consistent temperatures within this range supports the plant's metabolic functions and enhances its ability to absorb nutrients efficiently.

What Soil is Best for Strawberry saxifrage?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Saxifraga stolonifera thrives in well-draining soil, reducing the risk of root rot. This helps maintain the plant's health and vigor as it prevents waterlogging, which can suffocate the roots. The soil should retain moisture without being waterlogged. This balances hydration for the plant, ensuring it gets enough water while still allowing for air circulation around the roots. A good amount of organic matter is crucial for providing nutrients and improving soil texture. This enhances the plant's growth by ensuring a steady nutrient supply and optimal root development. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Strawberry saxifrage?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Saxifraga stolonifera, using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength is ideal. During the growing season, apply about 10 ml per liter of water. This ensures the plant receives necessary nutrients without the risk of over-fertilization. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Strawberry saxifrage?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim away any dead or yellowing leaves. Identify the runners, which are long, trailing stems, and cut them back to the base to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Always make cuts at a slight angle to minimize water collection and potential disease. Prune the plant's runners back to the main rosette to encourage fuller foliage. Ensure you leave a leaf or two on the runner to aid in photosynthesis and maintain the plant’s vigor. This will result in a denser, more lush appearance over time and help control spread. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Strawberry saxifrage plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Select healthy plant stems and cut sections that are 4 to 6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves to leave a bare stem for insertion into the soil. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.

Choose a mature plant with several stems. Carefully remove it from the pot and divide the roots into sections with stems attached, ensuring each division has a rooted stem for replanting.

Prepare well-draining soil in small pots. Insert the cut end of prepared cuttings 1 to 2 inches into the soil. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged and place the pots in a warm, indirect light area.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Strawberry saxifrage plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Saxifraga stolonifera needs repotting when its roots visibly entangle around the base or begin pushing through the drainage holes. Another signal is reduced growth or wilting despite proper watering. These signs indicate that the plant has outgrown its current container and needs more space and fresh nutrients.

Opt for a pot that is just one size larger than the current one to prevent overwatering. Ensure it has adequate drainage holes to allow excess moisture to escape, thus preventing root rot. A slightly wider pot also aids proper root spread, supporting healthier growth.

Use a well-drained loamy mix to provide the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. A peat-based mix with added perlite or sand ensures that the roots can breathe and reduces the risk of suffocation and waterlogging, promoting vigorous plant health.

More About Repotting Techniques→