Origin
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Rollins, also known as the Depauperate Lemmon's Rockcress, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to the Western United States, specifically found in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Depauperate Lemmon's Rockcress or simply Depauperate Rockcress.
Uses
The plant has no known significant use in medicine or in any commercial industry. However, it is cultivated for its ornamental value. The plant's delicate white flowers bloom in the late spring to early summer and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It is also a popular choice for rock gardens and water features that mimic its natural habitat.
General Appearance
The Depauperate Lemmon's Rockcress has a compact and mat-forming growth habit that reaches up to 30 cm in height and 50 cm in width. Its evergreen leaves are small, linear, and clustered at the base of the stem. The white or pink flowers, measuring up to 1 cm in diameter, grow on slender stems that rise above the foliage, forming a dense inflorescence. The plant typically prefers well-drained soils and a semi-shaded setting.
Light Requirements
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata requires full sunlight to grow properly. It prefers bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Lack of sunlight can slow down its growth rate and reduce its overall size.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata to grow is between 15°C to 26°C. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to -10°C, and can also withstand hot and dry summers if it is provided with enough moisture. Extreme temperatures can cause stress to the plant and can slow down its growth.
Soil Requirements
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata prefers well-drained, sandy-loam to gravelly soils. It can also grow in rocky soils, but the pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a range of 6.0 to 7.5. Adequate soil moisture is essential for the plant's growth, but over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation of Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata is a beautiful plant that requires specific care when it comes to cultivation. To cultivate the plant, it is important to understand the soil requirements and the ideal climate conditions for growth.
This plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. For optimal growth, it should be planted in an area that receives full sun or partial shade.
If you are planting from seeds, it is important to provide conditions that will support germination. This includes providing moist soil, moderate temperatures, and plenty of sunlight. Once the plant has started to grow, it should be thinned to ensure proper spacing.
Watering Needs of Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata
When it comes to watering this plant, it requires regular watering to ensure that the soil remains moist. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to waterlogging and rotting of the roots. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
During the growing season, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. This can be achieved by watering deeply once or twice a week. However, during the winter months, the plant can be watered less frequently to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization of Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata
To ensure that your Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata plant grows to its full potential, you will need to fertilize it regularly. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development.
It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer, with an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This should be applied every two weeks during the growing season. During the winter months, you can reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month.
Pruning of Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata requires minimal pruning, as it is a slow-growing plant. However, to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from getting too leggy, you can pinch the tips of the stems regularly.
If you notice any dead or damaged stems or leaves, you can prune them to prevent the spread of disease. When pruning, it is important to use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent damaging the plant.
Propagation of Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata is propagated through seed and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most widely used method to propagate Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata. Collect ripe seedpods from the plant and allow them to dry completely. Once the seedpods are dry, gently crack them open and remove the seeds. Clean the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until planting. Seeds can be directly sown in the garden or started indoors in pots. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil that is kept moist until germination.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Take stem cuttings from the Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata plant during the active growth period. Select a healthy stem approximately 4 to 5 inches in length and make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle. Remove the leaves from the lower 2 inches of the stem, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and in indirect sunlight until roots develop. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted to its final location.
Disease Management
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata is relatively resistant to most plant diseases. However, some diseases may still affect the plant.
One such disease is powdery mildew, a fungal infection that appears as a white, powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, spray the plant with a fungicide containing neem oil, sulfur, or potassium bicarbonate. Remove any affected plant parts and dispose of them properly.
Another disease that might affect the plant is downy mildew, which appears as yellow spots on the plants' upper leaves and white, powdery growth on the plant's undersides. To manage downy mildew, avoid overhead watering and apply a copper-based fungicide to the affected parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. depauperata is not usually affected by pests. However, some pests may occasionally attack the plant.
One such pest is the aphid, small insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings can also be effective in controlling aphids.
Another pest that might affect the plant is the spider mite, tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, being sure to cover both the upper and undersides of the leaves.
