Heuchera cylindrica — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Heuchera cylindrica

Heuchera Cylindrica

Updated · 16 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Heuchera cylindrica is a species of perennial flowering plant in the saxifrage family known by the common names poker alumroot, roundleaf alumroot, and coral bells. It is native to western North America, where it is found from British Columbia to California, and east to Wyoming and Montana.

A note from PlantMom

Roundleaf alumroot is fairly disease-resistant and typically not prone to illnesses. However, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its surroundings, and these problems are generally mild. Carewise, the plant needs moderate maintenance. Regular pruning is required to maintain its appearance and support healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also help encourage flowering. This plant is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand much prior care experience. It may require additional attention when grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Heuchera Cylindrica.

Light

Roundleaf alumroot generally flourishes with plenty of sunlight each day. It prefers substantial light, which promotes strong growth, but can tolerate somewhat reduced exposure and still maintain health and vigor. Because it originates from places with abundant sun, the plant may show signs of stress if it does not get enough light.

Water

Native to rocky woodlands, roundleaf alumroot thrives in areas with moderate moisture and good drainage. To prevent waterlogging, it needs to be watered weekly, although it can withstand short dry periods. Using mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, which supports a healthy growing season.

Temperature

Roundleaf alumroot can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be constrained by various combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates when it gets sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can raise the risk of Roundleaf alumroot dying. In winter, protecting the plant from cold can improve its chances of survival.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Roundleaf alumroot is in early spring, as it comes out of dormancy and starts active growth. Fertilizing supplies the essential nutrients required for healthy development. Although Roundleaf alumroot has fairly low fertilizer needs, giving it an annual feeding can boost its survival and encourage improved, longer-lasting flowers.

Pruning

To help roundleaf alumroot thrive, use effective pruning techniques. In early spring, trim away faded flowers and remove dead leaves to promote new growth. During late winter, cut back any leggy stems. Make sure to use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease. These practices will enhance both the vigor and the visual appeal of your roundleaf alumroot.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Heuchera
Family
Saxifragaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
13 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow, Green, White, Cream
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Summer
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Mat alumroot en Poker alumroot en Roundleaf alumroot en Round-leaved alumroot en Alpine alumroot en Lava alumroot
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Roundleaf alumroot plant?

To water the Roundleaf alumroot effectively, it's important to consider a few things. Firstly, use filtered water at room temperature since tap water may contain harmful particles. The plant prefers warmer water because it is adapted to warm environments and cold water can be a shock. In addition, avoid watering from above, as this can cause problems with the foliage. Instead, gently pour the filtered room temperature water directly onto the soil until it becomes saturated. This method benefits the plant by providing moisture to the roots and allowing them to spread and collect nutrients in the soil.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Roundleaf alumroot?

Fertilization is important for the Roundleaf alumroot in various ways. It provides essential nutrients for the plant's overall growth above and below the ground. Despite having relatively low fertilization requirements, annual fertilization can greatly benefit the Roundleaf alumroot. It helps the plant survive and stimulates the production of longer-lasting, improved flowers. Those looking to enhance the appearance of their Roundleaf alumroot should prioritize annual fertilization.

What are the sunlight requirements for Roundleaf Alumroot?

Roundleaf Alumroot thrives best in full sun, which is above 6 hours of sunlight a day, but it can also tolerate partial sun, roughly around 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to watch how sunlight moves through your garden and choose spots that provide a good balance of light and shade to ensure the plants' optimal health.

What is the botanical name of Roundleaf alumroot?

The botanical name of Roundleaf alumroot is Heuchera cylindrica. This plant is recognized by its specific botanical name in the scientific community, differentiating it from others in the Heuchera genus.

What should I do if I give my Roundleaf alumroot plant too much or too little water?

Overwatering is a common issue that can harm your Roundleaf alumroot plant. It causes wilting and yellowing of the stems and leaves. Overwatering over a long time can lead to diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can be fatal to your plant. Underwatering is less likely, as Roundleaf alumroot has good drought tolerance. However, if it happens, the leaves will become brittle and brown. It's important to detect signs of overwatering early on. Diseases like root rot may not be reversible if left untreated for too long. If you notice early signs, reduce watering immediately. Check the quality of the soil. If it drains poorly, replace it with a loose and well-draining potting mix. If your plant is not getting enough water, increase watering until the signs improve.

When should I fertilize my Roundleaf alumroot plant?

To ensure the best growth for your Roundleaf alumroot, it is recommended to fertilize it during late winter to early spring as it transitions from dormancy to active growth. Fertilizing during this time promotes healthy growth and sets the plant up for a successful season. While early spring is the most beneficial time, fertilizing in the fall is also acceptable. However, it is not recommended to fertilize the Roundleaf alumroot during summer and winter.

How should Roundleaf Alumroot be cared for in terms of sunlight?

Roundleaf Alumroot enjoys abundant daily sun exposure and originates from habitats where sunlight is plentiful. When natural sunlight is not enough, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting can be a beneficial solution. Indoor plants can thrive under artificial lights, such as LED lights, which should be customized to your plant's needs in terms of type, distance, and daily light duration to promote healthier growth. Full sun plants might need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light.

How frequently should I water my Roundleaf alumroot?

If your Roundleaf alumroot plant is in a pot, the best way to determine if it needs water is to stick your finger into the soil. If the top two to three inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water it. If you're growing the Roundleaf alumroot outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Once the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. Typically, during the spring and early fall, you'll need to water this plant about once a week using this method. However, in extremely hot weather, you may need to water it twice a week or even more frequently. It's worth noting that mature, well-established Roundleaf alumroot plants are quite resilient to drought.

When is it not a good time to fertilize my Roundleaf alumroot plant?

To properly care for your Roundleaf alumroot, it is important to fertilize it only during late winter and early spring. This plant has low fertilizer needs, so a single annual feeding during this time is enough. Avoid fertilizing in spring, summer, and fall as this can easily lead to overfertilization and its associated complications. However, if you missed fertilizing in spring, you can feed the plant in fall. Additionally, refrain from fertilizing in winter when the plant is in a dormant phase and not actively growing.

What are the symptoms of inadequate light in Roundleaf Alumroot?

If Roundleaf Alumroot doesn't receive adequate light, it may exhibit symptoms like smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, early leaf drop, delayed or halted growth, lighter-colored new leaves, chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These signs indicate stress from insufficient sunlight exposure or excessive sunlight.

How much water does my Roundleaf alumroot plant need?

To properly water your Roundleaf alumroot, don't be hesitant with the amount of water you provide. Wait until the top two to three inches of soil are dry, then give the plant a thorough watering. Make sure to saturate the soil entirely, allowing excess water to flow out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If you don't see any excess water draining, it means you haven't given enough water. However, be careful not to let water accumulate in the soil, as it can be harmful to the plant. On the other hand, if water doesn't drain properly from the pot, it suggests that the soil doesn't drain well, which can be harmful to the plant's health. If the plant is outside, it generally requires about 1 inch of rain per week.

What kind of fertilizer does my Roundleaf alumroot require?

A well-balanced general-purpose fertilizer can be used for a Roundleaf alumroot, but there are specific nutrient blends that can be even more beneficial. Some gardeners believe that a higher amount of phosphorus can lead to stronger roots and better flowers. Since Roundleaf alumroot is a flowering plant, using a phosphorus-rich fertilizer may be the best option. You can choose either granular or liquid fertilizer as long as it contains plenty of nutrients. In addition to manufactured fertilizers, using organic methods like compost and manure can greatly improve the soil for your Roundleaf alumroot.

PLATES
Heuchera cylindrica leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Heuchera cylindrica leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Heuchera cylindrica flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Heuchera cylindrica flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Heuchera cylindrica bark
PLATE 05 · bark
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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