Photo: Ken-ichi UedaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hairy Rupturewort Plant Care
Herniaria hirsuta L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This delicate plant is recognized by its tiny, hairy leaves that form a dense mat. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Herniaria hirsuta is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique texture and ability to thrive in rocky, dry conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy Rupturewort?
Water Hairy Rupturewort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Hairy Rupturewort?
Hairy Rupturewort (Herniaria hirsuta) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Herniaria genus. Hairy Rupturewort is native to Eurasia and North Africa, and.
Hairy Rupturewort displays a low mat-forming ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Hairy Rupturewort produces tiny greenish-white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy Rupturewort?
Herniaria hirsuta requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hairy Rupturewort Need?
Hairy Rupturewort thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy Rupturewort Prefer?
Herniaria hirsuta grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Hairy Rupturewort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy Rupturewort?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Rupturewort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy Rupturewort?
Feed Hairy Rupturewort 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 Hairy Rupturewort?
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 Hairy Rupturewort?
Hairy Rupturewort can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rupturewort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hairy Rupturewort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy Rupturewort, 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 Hairy Rupturewort?
Hairy Rupturewort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Hairy Rupturewort Need?
Hairy Rupturewort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Hairy Rupturewort is native to Eurasia and North Africa, and.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Hairy Rupturewort 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 Herniaria genus — compare its care with other Herniaria species on PlantoScan.
Herniaria is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Hairy Rupturewort 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: Herniaria hirsuta L., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 218 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy Rupturewort, 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: Ken-ichi Ueda, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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