Photo: 岸本年郎CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Pearlwort Plant Care
Sagina maxima A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its dense, moss-like carpet of tiny, bright green leaves. Originating from Europe, Sagina maxima is highly sought after by plant collectors for its ability to create a lush, low-maintenance ground cover in gardens and terrariums.
Every 2–3 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pearlwort?
Water Pearlwort every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Pearlwort Native To?
What Is the Pearlwort?
Pearlwort (Sagina maxima) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Sagina genus. Pearlwort is native to the west coast of North America from Alaska to California.
Pearlwort displays a low mat-forming ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Pearlwort produces small white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pearlwort?
Sagina maxima requires watering every 2–3 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 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pearlwort Need?
Pearlwort thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pearlwort Prefer?
Sagina maxima grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Pearlwort prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pearlwort?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pearlwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pearlwort?
Feed Pearlwort every 2 months 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 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Pearlwort?
Divide and replant 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 Pearlwort?
Pearlwort can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to small-flowered pearlwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pearlwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pearlwort, 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 Pearlwort?
Pearlwort is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Pearlwort Need?
Pearlwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Pearlwort is native to the west coast of North America from Alaska to California.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Pearlwort 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 Sagina genus — compare its care with other Sagina species on PlantoScan.
Sagina is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Pearlwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sagina Species
Other Sagina species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sagina maxima A.Gray, family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts , n.s., 6: 382 (1859)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pearlwort, 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: 岸本年郎, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, 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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