Photo: Nina KerrCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Tufted Knawel Plant Care
Scleranthus fasciculatus (R.Br.) Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is characterized by its dense clusters of tiny, bright green leaves that form a cushion-like shape. Originating from New Zealand, Scleranthus fasciculatus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its attractive appearance and ability to add a pop of color and texture to rock gardens or alpine plantings.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tufted Knawel?
Water Tufted Knawel every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tufted Knawel Native To?
What Is the Tufted Knawel?
Tufted Knawel (Scleranthus fasciculatus) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Scleranthus genus. Tufted Knawel is native to the south-eastern states of Australia and introduced to New Zealand.
Tufted Knawel displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Tufted Knawel produces tiny greenish flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tufted Knawel?
Scleranthus fasciculatus requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tufted Knawel Need?
Tufted Knawel thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tufted Knawel Prefer?
Scleranthus fasciculatus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Tufted Knawel prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tufted Knawel?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Tufted Knawel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tufted Knawel?
Feed Tufted Knawel every 8 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 8 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 Tufted Knawel?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Tufted Knawel?
Tufted Knawel can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to annual knawel plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tufted Knawel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tufted Knawel, 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 Tufted Knawel?
Tufted Knawel 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 Tufted Knawel Need?
Tufted Knawel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Tufted Knawel is native to the south-eastern states of Australia and introduced to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Tufted Knawel 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 Scleranthus genus — compare its care with other Scleranthus species on PlantoScan.
Scleranthus is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Tufted Knawel 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: Scleranthus fasciculatus (R.Br.) Hook.f., family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Fl. Tasman. 1: 42 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tufted Knawel, 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: Nina Kerr, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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