American glasswort Plant Care
Salicornia virginica L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Salicornia virginica is a halophytic perennial dicot which grows in various zones of intertidal salt marshes and can be found in alkaline flats. It is native to various regions of the Northern Hemisphere including both coasts of North America from Canada to Mexico.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for American glasswort?
Water American 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 American glasswort Native To?
What Is the American glasswort?
American glasswort (Salicornia virginica) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Salicornia genus. American glasswort is native to various regions of the Northern Hemisphere including both coasts of North America from Canada to Mexico. American glasswort is also known as Perennial glasswort, Marsh samphire.
American glasswort displays a low-growing succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. American glasswort produces small green flowers inconspicuous in appearance.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American glasswort?
Salicornia virginica 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 American glasswort Need?
American glasswort thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American glasswort Prefer?
Salicornia virginica grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. American glasswort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American glasswort?
Sandy, saline soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for American glasswort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a American 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 American glasswort?
American glasswort can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to annual glasswort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American glasswort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American 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 American glasswort?
American 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 American glasswort Need?
American glasswort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. American glasswort is native to various regions of the Northern Hemisphere including both coasts of North America from Canada to Mexico. In cooler regions, grow American glasswort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
American 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.
American 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 virginica L., family Amaranthaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 4 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American 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.
Identify Plants Like the
American glasswort Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species