Overview
Ruschia sarmentosa (Haw.) Schwantes var. rigida (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes is an evergreen succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It is a popular plant in gardens and landscaping due to its low-maintenance care regimen and attractive appearance, making it a great addition to any garden or indoor plant collection.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Ruschia sarmentosa (Haw.) Schwantes var. rigida (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes include Creeping Ice Plant, Red Carpet Stonecrop, and Tough-leaved Ruschia.
General Appearance
Ruschia sarmentosa (Haw.) Schwantes var. rigida (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes has dense, spreading growth habit with creeping stems that can form a mat-like cover. This succulent has small, fleshy, green leaves that are elongated, pointed, and can sometimes take on a red hue. The leaves can grow up to one inch long and tend to be sharply pointed. This succulent has a pink or lavender star-shaped flower that blooms in the summer months.
Uses
Ruschia sarmentosa (Haw.) Schwantes var. rigida (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes is commonly used in landscaping and gardening. It is typically used as a ground cover where it can spread quickly. The plant requires very little maintenance, making it an ideal choice in areas where it can be difficult to maintain other plants. Additionally, the plant has medicinal uses in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory problems and is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Light Requirements
Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida typically requires full sun to thrive. In areas with partial shade, the plant may stretch out and become leggy, with reduced foliage and flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). The ideal temperature range for Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida is between 60°F (16°C) and 80°F (27°C). Extreme heat may cause the plant to become stressed and wilted.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.8. Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida can survive in sandy or rocky soil, as well as soil that is low in nutrients. The plant may struggle in heavy clay soil or soil that retains too much moisture.
Cultivation
Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can grow both as a groundcover and a small shrub, reaching up to 1 foot in height and around 2 feet wide.
It is best to propagate this plant through cuttings. You can take stem cuttings in the spring or summer and plant them in a sandy potting mix. Water sparingly for the first few weeks until roots start to form, then gradually increase watering.
Watering Needs
Like most succulent plants, Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida prefers infrequent but deep watering. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to a minimum as the plant goes dormant.
Fertilization
Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida does not need much fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring, preferably a slow-release one. However, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its compact shape.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida, but you can trim it back in the spring or early summer to encourage branching and a denser growth habit. Use sterile pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a leaf node. Lightly prune any dead or damaged stems throughout the year to maintain the plant's health.
Propagation of Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida
Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida, commonly known as String of Buttons, is a succulent plant that originates from South Africa. Propagating this plant is relatively easy and can be done by various methods such as:
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
The stem cutting method is the most common way to propagate Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida. To start, choose a healthy stem from the mother plant and cut a section of 3-4 inches in length. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and allow the cutting to dry for a few days. Once the cutting has formed a callus, plant it in a well-draining succulent soil mix and water sparingly. The cutting should start rooting within a few weeks.
Propagation from Leaf Cuttings
Another propagation method for Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida is through leaf cuttings. Gently remove a healthy leaf from the plant and allow it to dry for a few days. Like stem cuttings, it's important to let the cuttings form a callus before planting. Plant the callused end of the leaf into a well-draining succulent soil mix, water sparingly, and wait for the roots to develop.
Propagation from Seed
Propagation of Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida from seed is possible, but it's not the preferred method since the germination rate can be low. Sow the seeds in a well-draining succulent soil mix and place it in a warm place with indirect sunlight. Water regularly but make sure not to overwater. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks to a few months.
Disease Management
Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida is, in general, a hardy plant that is not typically affected by many diseases. However, it might occasionally experience some issues with root rot, which could be caused by over-watering and poor drainage. Maintaining well-draining soil and proper watering practices will go a long way in preventing this problem. If root rot does occur, it might be necessary to remove affected parts of the plant and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Although not typically affected by pests, Ruschia sarmentosa var. rigida might sometimes attract common garden pests such as spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with an insecticidal soap spray or neem oil, applied in accordance with the product instructions. It is important to also clean the surrounding area and dispose of any affected plant material to prevent the spread of the infestation.
