Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Glasswort Plant Care
Halogeton sativus (L.) Moq.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's silver-gray, needle-like leaves give it a unique appearance. Originating from central Asia, Halogeton sativus is sought after by plant collectors for its ability to thrive in harsh, dry conditions, making it a fascinating addition to any collection.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
60–85°F
20–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Glasswort?
Water Glasswort every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 20–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Glasswort?
Glasswort (Halogeton sativus) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Halogeton genus. Glasswort is native to Spain, Morocco and Algeria.
Glasswort displays a low mat-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Glasswort produces small greenish flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Glasswort?
Halogeton sativus requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Glasswort Need?
Glasswort thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Glasswort Prefer?
Halogeton sativus grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Glasswort prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
20–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Glasswort?
Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Glasswort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Glasswort?
Feed Glasswort every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Glasswort?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Glasswort?
Glasswort can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rabbitbrush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Glasswort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Glasswort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Glasswort?
Glasswort 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Glasswort Need?
Glasswort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Glasswort is native to Spain, Morocco and Algeria. In cooler regions, grow Glasswort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Glasswort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Halogeton genus — compare its care with other Halogeton species on PlantoScan.
Halogeton is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family — browse all Amaranthaceae genera and species.
Glasswort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Halogeton sativus (L.) Moq., family Amaranthaceae (first published in Chenop. Monogr. Enum. : 158 (1840)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glasswort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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