Water
Water Sclerolaena muricata sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is detrimental and can lead to root rot, especially in cooler conditions.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
Also known as Black Roly-Poly · Five-Spine-Bassia · Five-Spine-Saltbush
Black Rolypoly (Sclerolaena muricata) is a spiny, low-growing annual or short-lived perennial herb found in arid regions, often forming a rounded, 'roly-poly' shape.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily.
Drought Tolerant
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Sandy, Loamy, Alkaline
50% intensity
Warm to Hot
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C; protect from frost.
Low Feeder
10% intensity
Fertilize sparingly or not at all.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Sclerolaena muricata sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is detrimental and can lead to root rot, especially in cooler conditions.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
Pruning is rarely necessary for Sclerolaena muricata. If desired for shaping or to remove dead or damaged growth, prune in late spring or early summer after flowering.
Use clean, sharp secateurs to make precise cuts just above a leaf node.
Propagate Sclerolaena muricata from seeds sown in spring. Stratification may improve germination rates. Alternatively, take cuttings from healthy stems in late spring or early summer.
Root cuttings in a well-draining medium in a warm environment.
Repotting is typically not required for Sclerolaena muricata as it prefers confined root conditions. If necessary, repot in spring into a slightly larger pot with a very gritty, well-draining soil mix.
Handle roots gently to avoid disturbance.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Black Rolypoly (Sclerolaena muricata)
Where Black Rolypoly (Sclerolaena muricata) is found

Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Sclerolaena |
| Species | Sclerolaena muricata |
Similar in genus Sclerolaena
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data