How to Grow Saxifraga; Mother of Thousands

Saxifraga, commonly known as Strawberry Begonia or Mother of thousands, is a great plant for indoor our outdoor gardens. Saxifraga is an excellent plant for those just getting started in gardening or those who have a 'black thumb'. There are a few things you should know about Saxifraga which, I will tell you here, including how to care for them.

Scientific Name:

Saxifraga

Common Names:

Mother-of-thousands

Strawberry Begonia

Strawberry Geranium

Description:

Saxifraga is a very interesting plant that reproduces much like a Spider Plants. They do produce plantlets that drop and hang from the mother plant and are completely ready to be snipped and planted in a pot of their own. Because they put out hundreds of plantlets in their life span, they have acquired the name Mother of thousands.

They are also called Strawberry Begonias du to the fact that their leaves are very similar to an actual begonia. Their spreading rosettes are round, silver-veined, deep green leaves with purplish undersides. Saxifraga erects stems that bear clusters of dainty white blossoms in the summer. They are great for hanging baskets and will make a great ground cover in group planting.

While Saxifraga plants are widely grown they are somewhat rare. Their not seen as often as Peace Lilies or Aglaonema. They make great house plants and do great in offices.

Flower:

Mother f thousands produces several baby plants that hang from thin stems. They also drop white blossoms that hang and droop below on thing stems.

Elements:

Light: Performs well in shade or defused Light

Temperature: Days: 60-75 degrees F. Nights: as low as 45 degrees F.

Watering: Allow soil to dry in between waterings. Do not over water.

Care and Maintenance:

Saxifraga has small root systems and grow great in well-drained soil. Always allow soil to dry in between waterings and avoid over watering. However, during times when Saxifraga is growing rapidly, keep soil moist.

Saxifraga should be replanted every year to insure a high quality plant. Plant in a well-draining indoor mix for best results. Best when planted in hanging baskets or on high tables where plantlets can hang.

If grown outdoors, Mother-of-thousands should be protected from harsh elements and should be planted in the shade. They will need to be wrapped in the winter during extreme temperatures.

Fertilizing:

Saxifraga should be fertilized every 3 months.

Propagation:
Propagate by division or by snipping the plantlets and planting them in a pot of their own.

Common Pests, Diseases and Problems:

Root Rot- caused by over watering

Pests- Spider Mites, Whitefly, Mealy bugs