Origin of Astomum phascoides
Astomum phascoides, also known as Drummond's rockcress, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Native to North America, the plant is commonly found along rocky slopes, talus, and gravelly areas in the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the western United States and Canada.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Drummond's rockcress or mountain rockcress. It is also referred to as Hesperidanthus phascoides in some taxonomic databases.
Appearance of Astomum phascoides
Astomum phascoides is a perennial herb that can grow up to 20 cm tall. The plant has a basal rosette of linear to spatulate leaves that are about 2-5 cm long. The stem of the plant is usually glabrous or sparsely pubescent and branched at the top. The inflorescence is a raceme that produces white to lavender flowers with four petals and six stamens. The fruits produced by the plant are long, slender, and slightly curved siliques.
Uses of Astomum phascoides
Although not widely used, Astomum phascoides has some medicinal applications. Extracts from the plant have been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves of the plant have been used by Native American tribes for their analgesic and anti-infective properties.
The plant is also used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers and foliage. However, its use for this purpose is limited to rock gardens or alpine plant collections.
Light Requirements
The Astomum phascoides plant thrives well in areas with bright but indirect light. As such, it should be placed in a location where it can receive filtered sunlight without direct exposure to the sun's rays. When the plant receives too much light, its leaves can dry out and curl up, leading to stunted growth or death.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers moderate temperatures that range from 15 to 25°C. At temperatures higher than this range, the plant can wilt, and its growth becomes stunted. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C can cause the plant's roots to rot, leading to death.
Soil Requirements
The Astomum phascoides plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant. The soil can be a mixture of regular garden soil, peat moss, and perlite/vermiculite. It is also beneficial to mix in some organic matter, such as compost, into the soil to provide the plant with additional nutrients. Adequate drainage is essential, as the plant's roots can quickly rot in waterlogged soil.
Cultivation of Astomum phascoides
Astomum phascoides (Hook. ex Drumm.) Grout is a rare moss species that can be grown in a terrarium or a greenhouse. This plant prefers a cool, damp, and shady environment and is typically found growing on damp rocks or soil in the wild.
Watering Needs
As a moss species, Astomum phascoides needs consistent moisture to thrive. Watering the plant is important, and it is advised to do so weekly or whenever the soil feels moderately dry. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid the buildup of salts in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Astomum phascoides doesn't require fertilizer, but you can add a small amount of liquid fertilizer to the water every four to six weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions. However, be cautious with the concentration, as excess nutrients can damage the plant.
Pruning
Moss species do not require extensive pruning. However, if Astomum phascoides overgrows or looks untidy, you can trim the edges or remove the excess moss gently with scissors, taking care not to harm its delicate structure. Avoid cutting too much as it can cause stress to the plant.
Propagation of Astomum phascoides
Astomum phascoides (Hook. ex Drumm.) Grout, commonly known as "narrowleaf milkweed," is a beautiful, low-growing plant with clusters of stunning pink flowers. Propagating Astomum phascoides requires some specific techniques to ensure success.
Propagation Methods
There are two primary methods used for propagating Astomum phascoides: seed propagation and vegetative propagation through cuttings.
Seed Propagation
When propagating Astomum phascoides from seed, it is important to use fresh seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix in early spring, approximately 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. This will give the seeds enough time to germinate and establish before the summer growing period.
Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch and keep the soil evenly moist until germination occurs. The germination period typically ranges from 10 to 20 days after sowing, depending on the environmental conditions. Once the seedlings are established, transplant them to their final location in the garden or container.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Astomum phascoides involves taking stem cuttings from an existing plant. Choose a healthy stem that is approximately 3-4 inches long with a few sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix in a container that has drainage holes. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the container in a warm, bright location, out of direct sunlight. Within a few weeks, the cutting will begin to form roots and can be transplanted to its final location in the garden or container.
Disease Management
Astomum phascoides is generally a hardy plant, but it can still be susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this, prune any affected branches and dispose of them properly, and treat the plant with a fungicide spray.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery, white film on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this, prune any affected branches and dispose of them properly, and treat the plant with a fungicide spray.
- Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes brownish-black spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this, prune any affected branches and dispose of them properly, and treat the plant with a copper-based fungicide spray.
Pest Management
Astomum phascoides can also be susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap out of the plant, which can cause leaf curling and distortion. To manage this, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the aphids, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the plant's sap and can cause discoloration and leaf drop. To manage this, rinse the plant with water to remove the mites, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Scale insects: These are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck the sap out of it. To manage this, prune any affected branches and dispose of them properly, and treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
