Origin
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is a subspecies of the Cerastium arvense L. species. This plant is native to Europe and Asia but is now found in different parts of North America including Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
Common Names
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli goes by several common names such as Sticky Mouse-ear chickweed, Sticky Chickweed, and also Clammy Chickweed due to its sticky quality.
Uses
This plant possesses various medicinal properties and the entire plant is used as a herbal remedy for pain, inflammation, cough, and respiratory issues. The paste of the plant has also been utilized by locals to treat skin conditions. The leaves of the plant are used in cooking preparations as a salad vegetable or cooked and served as a leafy green vegetable.
General Appearance
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli is an annual or perennial plant that typically grows up to 30cm in height. The leaves of this plant are oval-shaped and are densely covered with short hairs that make the surface clammy and sticky to the touch. This plant bears small, white, and star-shaped flowers that appear in clusters at the stem's top. The seeds of this plant are tiny and are dispersed by the wind.
Light
The plant Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli requires full sunlight to grow, although it can tolerate some shade.
Temperature
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -20°C to as high as 30°C. However, its optimal temperature for growth is between 15-25°C.
Soil
The plant Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline (pH 4.5-8.0). It can also grow in sandy or clay soils.
It is important to note that this plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, so good drainage is necessary for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli, commonly known as viscid mouse-ear chickweed, is a low-growing plant that requires well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant thrives in full sunlight, but it can also grow in partial shade.
To cultivate Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli, plant the seeds in the spring after the last frost. Cover the seeds with soil, and water thoroughly. The seeds will germinate in about two weeks, and the plants will start blooming in early summer.
Watering Needs
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli needs regular watering to thrive, especially during the hot summer months. The plant prefers moist soil but can rot if the soil is too wet. Water the plant deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli does not require frequent fertilization. A yearly dose of a balanced fertilizer in the early spring is sufficient for the plant's growth and development.
Too much fertilizer can cause excessive foliage growth instead of flowers.
Pruning
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli does not require frequent pruning. However, it is advisable to deadhead the plant after flowering to eliminate dead flowers and encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Trimming back the plant after flowering helps maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli, commonly known as field mouse-ear chickweed, is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant that is used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover. The plant can be propagated through various methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli. The best time to sow the seeds is in early spring or late summer. The soil should be well-drained and moderately fertile. The seeds are very small, so they should be sown on the surface of the soil and gently pressed into it. Keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around two to three weeks.
Propagation by Division
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. First, dig up the plant carefully and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade. Plant the sections in a well-drained and fertile soil and water the area thoroughly.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take the cuttings in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stem into sections that are four to six inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and plant them in a moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until the cuttings root, which usually takes around two to three weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli, also known as field mouse-ear, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Europe and North America and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. Like any other plant, it is prone to pests and diseases that can affect its growth and development. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow, affecting the plant's growth. To manage powdery mildew, you need to keep the plant dry by watering it in the morning and preventing water from splashing on the leaves. You can also manage the disease by removing the infected leaves and treating the plant with a fungicide.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to decay and turn brown. It can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and soil-borne fungi. To manage root rot, you need to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and the soil is well-drained. You can also manage the disease by removing the infected roots and treating the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow, affecting the plant's growth. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to the garden to control their population.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of the plant leaves, causing them to turn yellow and appear speckled. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can quickly infest a plant. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators like predatory mites to control their population.
Cerastium arvense L. var. viscidulum Gremli is a beautiful plant that is easy to grow and maintain. However, like any other plant, it can be affected by pests and diseases. By being vigilant and taking necessary precautions, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving.
