Tolmiea

Description

Tolmiea is a unique and beautiful plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to the moist forests of North America and is commonly known as the piggyback plant, because of its ability to grow new plants from its leaves. Tolmiea has a rosette of basal leaves and produces upright stems with small, greenish-yellow flowers. It is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow and perfect for indoor decoration.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Saxifragales
Family	Saxifragaceae
Genus	Tolmiea

Appearance

Tolmiea has a rosette of basal leaves that are heart-shaped and deeply serrated, with a glossy surface. The leaves are green and can grow up to 12 inches in length. The plant produces upright stems that can reach up to 18 inches in height and have small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant’s unique feature is its ability to produce new plants from the edges of its leaves, making it an interesting addition to any collection.

Care Guide

Tolmiea is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to ensure its healthy growth:

• Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Tolmiea prefers slightly acidic soil.
• Sunlight: Place the plant in a bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
• Hardiness Zones: Tolmiea can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Tolmiea is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, spider mites and mealybugs can infest the plant, causing damage to the leaves. To prevent this, keep the plant in a humid environment and inspect it regularly for any signs of infestation. Root rot can also occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not water the plant excessively.

Habitat

Tolmiea is native to the moist forests of North America, where it grows on the forest floor in shaded areas. It prefers a moist, humid environment and can grow in a variety of soil types. The plant is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Tolmiea grow in direct sunlight?
A: No, Tolmiea prefers bright, indirect sunlight and can be damaged by direct sunlight.

Q: How often should I water Tolmiea?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Do not overwater as this can lead to root rot.

Q: How often should I fertilize Tolmiea?
A: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.

Q: What should I do if my Tolmiea has spider mites?
A: Keep the plant in a humid environment and inspect it regularly for any signs of infestation. You can also wash the leaves with a mild soap solution to remove the pests.

Related Plants

• Saxifraga
• Bergenia
• Heuchera
• Tiarella

References

• “Tolmiea menziesii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2021.
• “Tolmiea menziesii.” Royal Horticultural Society. Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2021.
• “Tolmiea menziesii.” Plant Finder. Monrovia, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2021.