Turgid Saltwort Plant Care

Turgid Saltwort (Kali turgida) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Kali genus. Turgid Saltwort is native to Macaronesia, and from the Atlantic coasts of Europe to the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean.

Turgid Saltwort displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Turgid Saltwort produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Turgid Saltwort 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.

Turgid Saltwort thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Kali turgida tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Turgid Saltwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Turgid Saltwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Turgid 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 to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Turgid 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.

Turgid Saltwort 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 Turgid 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.

Turgid 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.

Turgid Saltwort can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds.

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Turgid 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.

Turgid Saltwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Turgid Saltwort is native to Macaronesia, and from the Atlantic coasts of Europe to the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. In cooler regions, grow Turgid Saltwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.