HOW TO GROW HELXINE SOLEIROLII

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Native to the northern Mediterranean region in and around Italy and the nearby islands, Helxine soleirolii is a fast growing, half-hardy perennial and the only species within the Helxine genus. Commonly known as 'Mind-your-own-business' or 'Mother of thousands', it is a mat-forming evergreen with delicate-looking juicy, bright green or yellow leaves and has been introduced and cultivated across the globe as a houseplant or ornamental garden plant. It creeps by produces pink or green stems which root as they grow, and although not particularly showy Helxine soleirolii will multitudes of tiny pinkish-white flowers which emerge over the summer

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While it is indeed evergreen in warmer temperate climates, it will die back in cooler northern regions. Be aware that if grown outside permanently it can be killed off during severe winters.

Grow Helxine soleirolii in a well-drained, but moist soil in a sunny or light shaded conditions where water logging does not occur. It will require protection from the sun during the hottest part of the day.

If you are growing it as a cool greenhouse or house plant then plant Helxine soleirolii in pot or low pans at least 4-6 inches wide. Overwinter in a greenhouse at a temperature of between 4-7 degrees Celsius and then provide light shading over the summer. Water freely from April to September, though less frequently over the winter. Helxine soleirolii can be potted on in April, but will perform best when raised as annuals.

To produce new stock detach stem pieces at any time from April to September, but best results will be avieve during the first two months of this period. Set the propagation material directly into their growing positions either outdoors or in pots with a good quality compost such as John Innes 'No1 or No2'

The botanical name Helxine soleirolii has now been superseded as it has been placed into a new genus Soleirolia. Now called Soleirolia soleirolii it is still the only member of its genus. It was re-named after  Joseph-Francois Soleirol, an amateur botanist who originally collected the plant in Corsica.

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RHS Soleirolia soleirolii