Herniaria cinerea
Care, watering, light and tips for Herniaria cinerea on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Herniaria cinerea
Herniaria cinerea, commonly known as Grey Carpet-weed or Rupturewort, is a small, perennial herbaceous plant from the Caryophyllaceae family, forming dense, creeping mats of tiny, greyish leaves. It is ideal for ground cover in rock gardens, between paving stones, or in extensive green roofs, providing a fine texture and soft color. Its compact growth habit and hardiness make it perfect for low-maintenance landscaping.
Native range
Mediterranean region and Macaronesia
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun or light partial shade, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. It is extremely drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be sparse and infrequent, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or stony soils, and it is crucial to avoid waterlogging, as excessive moisture is its main enemy and can cause rot.
How to save a dying Herniaria cinerea
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish leaves, weak and prostrate stems, lack of flowering.
- First aid
- Transplant to well-drained soil, water moderately, and ensure full sun exposure.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and shade, leading to root rot and lack of vigor.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if drainage, sun exposure, and watering are corrected promptly.