Mediterranean Saltwort Plant Care

Mediterranean Saltwort (Salsola vermiculata) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Salsola genus. Mediterranean Saltwort is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, North Africa and southern Europe. Mediterranean Saltwort is also known as Wormleaf Saltwort.

Mediterranean Saltwort displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Mediterranean Saltwort produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mediterranean Saltwort every 10–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Mediterranean Saltwort thrives in full sun.

Salsola vermiculata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Mediterranean Saltwort prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Mediterranean Saltwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mediterranean Saltwort every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mediterranean Saltwort is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Mediterranean Saltwort can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Mediterranean Saltwort while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Mediterranean Saltwort is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mediterranean Saltwort can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to leafless saltwort plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Mediterranean Saltwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Mediterranean Saltwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Mediterranean Saltwort is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, North Africa and southern Europe. In cooler regions, grow Mediterranean Saltwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.