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Description
Saxifraga Cernua, also known as Nodding Saxifrage, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. It is native to the Arctic and Alpine regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 15cm tall and has short, thick rhizomes. It flowers from May to August, producing small, white or pink flowers that hang from nodding stems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Saxifraga |
Appearance
Saxifraga Cernua has a rosette of basal leaves that are oval or spatulate in shape and up to 2cm long. The leaves are hairy and have toothed margins. The plant has slender, leafless stems that bear one to three nodding flowers. The flowers have five petals and are white or pink in color. They are about 4-6mm in diameter and have a pleasant fragrance.
Care Guide
Saxifraga Cernua is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:- Water: The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil. Water it regularly, especially during the growing season.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer. You can use a balanced, organic fertilizer once or twice a year.- Soil: The plant prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil. You can add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce flowering.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 1-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Saxifraga Cernua is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some problems to watch out for:- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers. You can use slug bait or copper tape to keep them away.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. You can use a fungicide to treat it.- Root rot: This disease can occur if the soil is too wet. Make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Saxifraga Cernua is found in the Arctic and Alpine regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows in rocky or gravelly soil in open or partially shaded areas. The plant is adapted to cold temperatures and can survive in harsh environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Saxifraga Cernua be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow Saxifraga Cernua indoors as it requires cold temperatures and cannot tolerate dry, indoor air.
Q: Is Saxifraga Cernua toxic to pets?
A: There is no information on whether Saxifraga Cernua is toxic to pets. However, it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants to prevent accidental ingestion.
Q: How often should Saxifraga Cernua be fertilized?
A: Saxifraga Cernua does not require much fertilizer. You can use a balanced, organic fertilizer once or twice a year.
Q: How long does Saxifraga Cernua live?
A: Saxifraga Cernua is a perennial plant that can live for several years.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Saxifraga Cernua:- Saxifraga oppositifolia- Saxifraga stellaris- Saxifraga paniculata- Saxifraga aizoides- Saxifraga hypnoides
References
– “Saxifraga cernua.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b711– “Saxifraga cernua.” Plant Delights Nursery. Accessed July 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/saxifraga-cernua– “Saxifraga cernua.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14864/Saxifraga-cernua/Details
