Saxifrage Saxifraga 'Conwy Snow' (fortunei) (5)

Water

The Mossy Saxifrage, known for its drought tolerance, should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every 7 to 10 days, depending on the climate and season. Provide water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases. Typically, giving the plant about 1 to 2 gallons during each watering session should be sufficient, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Adjust the amount of water during the hotter months when the plant may require more frequent watering.

Light

Mossy Saxifrage thrives in partial sun to light shade, making it perfect for areas that receive filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in intense, direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the leaves. Choosing a spot that mirrors its natural alpine habitat will promote healthy growth, with bright yet indirect light being ideal.

Temperature

Mossy Saxifrage prefers cooler temperatures, thriving in conditions that stay between 60°F and 75°F but can survive temperatures down to 20°F. It is cold-hardy and can withstand winter conditions, though it should be protected from extreme heat and direct sun during summer months to avoid stress.

Pruning

To maintain its compact form and promote vigorous growth, Mossy Saxifrage should be lightly pruned after flowering. This generally means simply trimming back dead or spent flower stems and removing any dead or yellowing leaves. The best time to prune is late spring or early summer, following the plant's blooming period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Saxifraga 'Conwy Snow', commonly known as Mossy Saxifrage, thrives in well-draining, gritty soil with added humus or compost to retain moisture. The soil mixture could consist of two parts peat-free compost, one part perlite or grit, and one part leaf mold. Mossy Saxifrage prefers soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Mossy Saxifrage, which is an alpine plant, does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years. However, if the plant is thriving and outgrowing its container more rapidly, it may be necessary to repot it more often.

Humidity & Misting

Mossy Saxifrage prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the typical humidity levels found in most homes. It is important to ensure that the humidity is not so high as to encourage fungal issues.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  For indoors, keep Mossy Saxifrage in bright, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant Mossy Saxifrage in bright but filtered sunlight outdoor.

• Hardiness zone

  6-8 USDA

Life cycle

Saxifraga 'Conwy Snow' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil in a temperate climate, typically in early spring. The seedling emerges, developing into a rosette of spoon-shaped leaves, and as it matures, it forms a low-growing evergreen perennial clump. During the growth season, the plant produces tall, slender stalks topped with white, star-shaped flowers, which are usually in bloom from late spring to early summer. Following pollination, which is often aided by insects, the flowers produce capsule-like fruits that contain numerous small seeds. Once the seeds are dispersed, the parent plant will continue to grow and will produce flowers annually. Saxifraga 'Conwy Snow' can also propagate vegetatively through offsets, allowing the plant to spread and form dense mats over time.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Saxifraga 'Conwy Snow', commonly known as Saxifrage, is a perennial often propagated in the spring or early summer to allow sufficient time for establishment before the onset of winter. The most popular method of propagation for this species is by division. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has several growth points or rosettes and a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be replanted in a well-draining soil mix, ideally at the same depth they were growing before. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until the divisions are well established. This method of propagation is simple and effective, often resulting in new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics and ready to bloom in the following growing season.