Lime Lava
Scleranthus biflorusUSDA | Grow Zone
9-11Outdoors all year in zones 9 to 11. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 40°F.
- Light
- Full sun, 6 hours min
- Water
- When top inch is dry
- Humidity
- 30-50%
- Temperature
- 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 6-12 in tall, 12-18 in wide
Scleranthus biflorus, commonly known as Lime Lava, is a unique, resilient plant native to Australia. Its vibrant green foliage and compact growth make it an attractive choice for gardens and containers, thriving in sunny locations.
Ask Vesper about Lime Lava
Ideal temperature
60-75°F is where it grows fastest. Below 40°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 6-12 in tall, 12-18 in wide
- Plant apart
- 12-18 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Scleranthus biflorus prefers well-drained soil and should be watered moderately.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks, depending on the season. In hotter months, increase frequency slightly. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause wilting and browning leaf tips.
Light
This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ideal placement is in a sunny garden bed or a south-facing window if grown indoors. It can tolerate partial shade but may become leggy and less vibrant in low light conditions.
Soil
Scleranthus biflorus prefers sandy or gravelly soil with excellent drainage.
A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. A recommended potting mix includes a blend of cactus mix and perlite to enhance drainage.
Humidity
This plant prefers low to moderate humidity levels, around 30-50%.
To increase humidity, consider misting the plant or placing a humidity tray nearby. Signs of humidity stress include browning leaf edges and stunted growth.
Temperature
Scleranthus biflorus thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, tolerating mild frost but not extreme cold. During hot summer months, ensure it is not exposed to temperatures exceeding 85°F (29°C) for prolonged periods.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 during the growing season, applying every 4-6 weeks.
In fall and winter, reduce feeding as the plant enters dormancy. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves and poor growth.
Pruning
Prune Scleranthus biflorus in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems.
Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to avoid injury to the plant. Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently loosen the roots, and place it in fresh potting mix.
Propagation
Propagation can be achieved through stem cuttings or seeds.
For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant, remove lower leaves, and place it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Seeds can be sown in spring after the last frost, lightly covering them with soil.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Typically caused by over-watering or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Check the soil moisture and reduce watering frequency. Consider fertilizing if nutrient deficiency is suspected.
Wilting
Why it happens
Often due to under-watering or extreme heat.
How to fix it
Increase watering frequency and ensure the plant is not exposed to excessive heat.
Browning leaf tips
Why it happens
Can result from low humidity or inconsistent watering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity levels and ensure consistent watering practices.
Leggy growth
Why it happens
Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch for light.
How to fix it
Move the plant to a sunnier location to promote compact growth.
Root rot
Why it happens
Caused by over-watering and poor drainage.
How to fix it
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again, and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, focus on pruning any dead stems and fertilizing to promote new growth. Ensure the plant receives ample sunlight as it comes out of dormancy.
Summer
During summer, monitor watering closely as the plant may require more frequent watering in hot weather. Ensure it is not exposed to extreme heat.
Fall
In fall, reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy. Continue to provide bright light and monitor for any signs of stress.
Winter
In winter, keep the plant in a cool location, ideally between 60-65°F (15-18°C). Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Toxicity & Safety
Scleranthus biflorus is non-toxic to pets and children. It poses no known health risks upon ingestion, making it a safe choice for households.
Good to know
Why are my Scleranthus biflorus leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on Scleranthus biflorus are often a sign of over-watering or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
How often should I water my Scleranthus biflorus?
Water your Scleranthus biflorus every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Adjust frequency based on the season and environmental conditions.
What type of soil is best for Scleranthus biflorus?
This plant prefers sandy or gravelly soil with excellent drainage. A mix of cactus soil and perlite is ideal to promote healthy growth.
How can I propagate Scleranthus biflorus?
You can propagate Scleranthus biflorus through stem cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, take a healthy stem and place it in well-draining soil, keeping it moist until roots develop.
What temperature is ideal for Scleranthus biflorus?
Scleranthus biflorus thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate mild frost but should be protected from extreme cold.
How do I know when to repot my Scleranthus biflorus?
Repot your Scleranthus biflorus every 2-3 years or when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a slightly larger pot to accommodate growth.
Is Scleranthus biflorus safe for pets?
Yes, Scleranthus biflorus is non-toxic to both pets and children, making it a safe choice for households.
Track this plant in your garden.
Set care reminders, log growth, and join a community of plant lovers.