The Strawberry Geranium, Saxifraga stolonifera, is an undemanding plant that brings unique visual interest to any space. Often called Strawberry Begonia, Mother of Thousands, or Creeping Saxifrage, it is a popular choice for both indoor enthusiasts and outdoor groundcover. Its distinctive foliage and growth habit make it an attractive addition.
Understanding Strawberry Geranium
The Strawberry Geranium (Saxifraga stolonifera) is not a true geranium, despite its common name. This evergreen perennial is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in a rosette form, reaching 6 to 15 cm in height and spreading 12 to 30 cm wide.
Its leaves are rounded and somewhat hairy, displaying variegation with silver veins on a dark green background and reddish-purple undersides. A distinctive feature is its long, red runners, which extend from the main plant and produce new plantlets at their tips. This unique propagation method is responsible for many of its common names.
Strawberry Geranium Care
Light
Strawberry Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect light or partial shade. While they can tolerate full shade, very low light may reduce variegation and slow growth. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can scorch leaves and fade colors. Placing the plant near an east or north-facing window indoors, or under dappled shade outdoors, is ideal.
Water
Consistent moisture is preferred, but waterlogged soil leads to root rot. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain, and reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows. Keeping leaves dry during watering helps prevent fungal issues.
Soil
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal. A suitable potting mix includes peat moss, perlite, and organic garden soil for good aeration and drainage. For outdoor planting, a humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is recommended. Proper drainage prevents water accumulation around the roots.
Temperature and Humidity
Strawberry Geraniums prefer average room temperatures, between 15-24°C (59-75°F). They appreciate moderate to high humidity. While hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 6 through 9, they are sensitive to frost and require protection from cold. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts.
Fertilizer
Strawberry Geraniums are not heavy feeders. They benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer during their active growing season in spring and summer, typically once a month. Reduce or stop fertilization during the colder, dormant winter months. A balanced blend with trace minerals promotes plant health.
Propagating Strawberry Geranium
Propagating Strawberry Geraniums is simple due to their unique growth habit. Long, slender runners extend from the main plant, forming small plantlets at their ends, making multiplication easy.
To propagate, root plantlets directly while still attached to the mother plant by gently pressing them onto moist soil in an adjacent pot or the ground. Once rooted, detach them from the parent. Alternatively, snip a plantlet with at least one node and a few leaves, leaving an inch of the runner attached, and place it in water or directly into moist, well-draining soil. New plants establish quickly through this method.
Common Problems and Solutions
Browning or crispy leaves on a Strawberry Geranium often indicate low humidity or insufficient watering. Increasing ambient humidity and ensuring consistent soil moisture can help. Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering, which leads to root rot, or nutrient deficiencies. Checking soil moisture before watering and ensuring good drainage can prevent overwatering.
Limp or drooping leaves are commonly a sign of either too much or too little water. Adjusting the watering schedule to allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings is usually the solution. Common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs can sometimes affect Strawberry Geraniums. These can often be managed with organic solutions such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. If the variegation on the leaves diminishes, it is often due to insufficient light; moving the plant to a brighter, indirectly lit location can help restore its vibrant patterns.