Little Alumroot Plant Care

Little Alumroot (Heuchera pulchella) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Heuchera genus. Little Alumroot is native to central New Mexico, mostly in the Manzano and Sandia Mountains.

Little Alumroot displays a compact mounds, spreading clumps growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Little Alumroot produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers on slender stems in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Little Alumroot every 7–10 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.

Little Alumroot thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Little Alumroot in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Heuchera pulchella tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Little Alumroot prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Little Alumroot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Little Alumroot 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 part shade to full shade and well-draining, humus-rich soil with added compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Little Alumroot is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Little Alumroot can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Little Alumroot 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.

Little Alumroot is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Little Alumroot can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral bells plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Little Alumroot is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, vine weevils. 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.

Little Alumroot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Little Alumroot is native to central New Mexico, mostly in the Manzano and Sandia Mountains. In cooler regions, grow Little Alumroot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.