Glasswort Plant Care
Salicornia rubra A.Nelson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Salicornia rubra, commonly known as the red glasswort or Rocky Mountain glasswort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae. It is native to colder or higher areas of North America; the Yukon, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario in Canada, and the western and north-central United States.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Glasswort?
Water Glasswort every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–60% humidity.
Where Is the Glasswort Native To?
What Is the Glasswort?
Glasswort (Salicornia rubra) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Salicornia genus. Glasswort is native to colder or higher areas of North America. Glasswort is also known as Samphire, Sea Asparagus, Pickleweed.
Glasswort displays a low-growing succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Glasswort produces small green flowers inconspicuous in appearance.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Glasswort?
Salicornia rubra requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 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?
Salicornia rubra grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Glasswort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Glasswort?
Sandy, saline soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Glasswort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Glasswort?
Rarely requires repotting, best left undisturbed. 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 annual glasswort 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. 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 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Glasswort is native to colder or higher areas of North America. In cooler regions, grow Glasswort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
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 Salicornia genus — compare its care with other Salicornia species on PlantoScan.
Salicornia 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: Salicornia rubra A.Nelson, family Amaranthaceae (first published in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 26: 122 (1899)) — 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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