Saxifrage Stiff-leaved

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Saxifrage stiff-leaved (Latin Saxifraga aizoides) is an amazing decorative culture; a representative of the genus Saxifrage of the Saxifragaceae family. In natural conditions, it grows in the northern regions of North America, Europe and Asia. Typical locations are swampy areas and meadows.

Characteristics of culture

The stiff-leaved saxifrage is represented by perennial herbaceous plants with a creeping stem, forming a loose turf during growth, not exceeding 20 cm in height. The foliage of the stiff-leaved saxifrage is oval or linear, oblong, rather rigid, serrated along the edges. The flowers are small, yellow with barely noticeable red dots, are equipped with an erect peduncle.

Saxifrage stiff-leaved blooms in mid-June - mid-July. The species is winter-hardy, unpretentious, but prefers well-moisturized and calcium-rich soils. Location also plays an important role. This type of saxifrage is grown not only in the open field, but also at home. The second method, by the way, is the most popular among flower growers.

The subtleties of cultivation at home

As already mentioned more than once, saxifrage prefer semi-shaded places, in the open sun the foliage becomes too faded, and the plants themselves lack moisture and, accordingly, do not feel very comfortable. In the summer heat, plants are recommended to be used from the sun's rays, it is not forbidden to take pots with saxifrage to a balcony or terrace, but there should be no drafts. The optimum temperature for stiff-leaved saxifrage grown in room conditions is 20-25C, in winter the temperature is significantly reduced - to 12-15C.

The culture puts forward requirements to the humidity of the air no less than to the temperature regime. Saxifrags are moisture-loving and have a positive attitude to high air humidity. In summer, in extreme heat, pots with saxifrage should be placed on a pallet filled with moistened expanded clay, so the plants will more easily tolerate dry air and not entirely favorable conditions. Spraying the foliage will also make it easier for plants to live in high temperatures.

Watering for saxifrage is one of the most important care procedures. Watering is done moderately, preventing the top layer from drying out. It is better not to touch the rosette of leaves when watering; water must be allowed to flow strictly on an earthen lump, so that it is saturated with moisture. You can water from a pallet, fill it with water, and as soon as the soil is saturated with moisture, excess water is removed. In late autumn and winter, watering is reduced, but overdrying is not allowed, this is a very important condition. Fertilizers are applied in spring or summer no more than twice a month; in winter, one top dressing every two months is enough.

Saxifrage is transplanted as needed. Once the root system is around the entire lump, the plants should be transplanted into a larger container. A universal soil is suitable for plants, but it is recommended to treat the pot more responsibly. The saxifrage tank should be shallow, wide, a drainage layer at the bottom is required.

The hard-leaved saxifrage, grown at home, is propagated by shoots that are formed in huge quantities. They take root quite easily and quickly, since they have rudimentary roots. To get a large number of outlets, 3-4 copies are planted in containers. It is not forbidden to propagate the culture by parts of the shoots, they have the property of rooting in the ground in the container with the mother plant. After rooting, the shoots are carefully separated and transplanted into another container.