Pigsqueak Plant Care

Pigsqueak (Bergenia stracheyi) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Bergenia genus. Pigsqueak is native to the Western Himalayas, from 2700 to 4700 m, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Pigsqueak is also known as Elephant Ears, Rockfoil.

Pigsqueak displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pigsqueak produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pigsqueak 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.

Pigsqueak thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Pigsqueak in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Bergenia stracheyi tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Pigsqueak prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Pigsqueak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pigsqueak 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 moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pigsqueak 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.

Pigsqueak can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Pigsqueak 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.

Pigsqueak 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.

Pigsqueak can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to elephant's ears plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Pigsqueak is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids. 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.

Pigsqueak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pigsqueak is native to the Western Himalayas, from 2700 to 4700 m, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. In cooler regions, grow Pigsqueak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.