Saxifraga stolonifera (Barba jidanului) - exemplare XL

Saxifraga stolonifera , also known by the popular names "Crawling Saxifraga" , "Mother and Child" , "Spider Plant" , " Jewish Beard", "Deaf Grass", "Strugurel", "Mouse Eyes", is a perennial ornamental plant in the Saxifragaceae family, native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea). It is cultivated both as a garden plant in mild climates and as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and ability to quickly form colonies through stolons.

Botanical characteristics:

• Habit: creeping or slightly creeping plant, with thin roots and the ability to reproduce vegetatively through stolons (horizontal stems that emit new plantlets at the end).

• Leaves: rounded or heart-shaped, arranged in a rosette, with serrated edges and long petioles. The upper side of the leaf is dark green with pronounced white veins, and the lower side has a reddish tint. The surface is covered with fine hairs.

• Flowers: small, white, grouped in branched aerial inflorescences. The flowers have 5 unequal petals – two of them being much longer, giving a delicate and asymmetrical appearance. Flowering generally occurs in summer.

• Propagation: easy to propagate by stolons (like strawberries), but also by dividing the bush.

Growing conditions:

• Light: prefers indirect light or partial shade; does not tolerate strong direct sun, which can burn the leaves.

• Temperature: ideal is between 15 and 24°C; does not tolerate frost.

• Soil: well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral, rich in organic matter.

• Watering: regular, keeping the substrate slightly moist, but without excess water. In winter, reduce watering.

• Humidity: prefers a humid environment, but can also tolerate drier indoor air if it is protected from direct heat from radiators.

• Care: It is recommended to remove stolons to control development and maintain a compact appearance.