Origin and Common Names
Diplacus aurantiacus, also known as sticky monkeyflower or orange bush monkeyflower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Phrymaceae. It is native to California and can be found in various habitats, including chaparral, coastal scrub, and sage scrub.
Appearance
Sticky monkeyflower is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to six feet tall and wide. The leaves are lance-shaped and sticky to the touch, giving the plant its common name. The flowers are tubular and orange with yellow spots and bloom from late winter to early summer. The flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and bees.
Uses
Sticky monkeyflower has both medicinal and ornamental uses. The Native American tribes of California used the plant for various medicinal purposes, including treating wounds, sores, and respiratory ailments. It is also used in modern herbal medicine to treat respiratory problems and congestion.
In landscaping, sticky monkeyflower is often used as a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance ornamental plant in native gardens or as a backdrop in mixed borders. It is tolerant of poor soil, heat, and sun exposure, making it a great choice for California gardens.
Light Requirements
Diplacus aurantiacus, commonly known as the sticky monkeyflower, requires full sun exposure for optimum growth. Therefore, it prefers to grow in areas with direct sunlight. Inadequate sunlight can cause stunted growth, a reduction in the number of flowers, and overall plant decline. Therefore, it is highly recommended to grow them in an open area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to a Mediterranean climate and can survive in different temperature conditions. It grows well in temperatures ranging between 24°C and 28 °C. It can tolerate moderate frosts of up to -4°C, but sustained cold could damage the plant. Extreme weather conditions can dehydrate the leaves and cause them to drop.
Soil Requirements
Diplacus aurantiacus prefers well-drained soil with moderate to low fertility levels. The plant can grow in different soil textures such as loam, sandy, and rocky soil. It grows well in a soil pH range of 5-8. However, the plant cannot withstand waterlogged soils as stagnant water can cause root rot and plant death. Therefore, it is essential to plant the sticky monkey flower in well-drained soils.
Cultivation Methods for Diplacus aurantiacus (W. Curtis) Jepson
Diplacus aurantiacus, commonly known as Sticky Monkeyflower, is a shrub that can grow up to 6 feet high and wide. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to California and thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. When planting, ensure that the hole is as deep as the root ball and twice as wide to allow proper root development. You can add compost or organic matter to the soil for improved drainage and nutrient availability.
Watering Needs for Diplacus aurantiacus (W. Curtis) Jepson
Diplacus aurantiacus is an excellent choice for a drought-tolerant garden. However, it still requires water to thrive and produce vibrant flowers. Water the plant deeply once every two weeks during the growing season, but reduce watering during fall and winter. Stick your finger in the soil to determine the moisture level. If the soil feels dry at least 2 inches from the surface, it's time to water. Avoid watering from above, instead water gently around the plant's base to avoid waterlogging the roots.
Fertilization for Diplacus aurantiacus (W. Curtis) Jepson
Diplacus aurantiacus is not a heavy feeder and does not require fertilization if grown in nutrient-rich soil. However, you can add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring for improved growth and blooming. Avoid applying excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced blooming.
Pruning Diplacus aurantiacus (W. Curtis) Jepson
Prune Sticky Monkeyflower after the blooming season is over. The plant blooms heavily in spring and sporadically throughout the summer, with one to three blooms. To prune, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood and cut back woody stems that have reached the desired height or spread. You can take off up to one-third of the plant's height and width with pruning shears or a hedge trimmer. This encourages new growth and maintains the plant's shape.
Propagation of Diplacus aurantiacus
Diplacus aurantiacus, also known as sticky monkeyflower, belongs to the Phrymaceae family and can be propagated through various methods including cuttings, division, and seeds.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the stem of a mature plant during its active growth phase, which usually occurs in spring or early summer. Choose a healthy stem that has not yet produced flowers and cut it about 4-6 inches below a node. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a container filled with moist potting soil and keep it moist. After 4-6 weeks, check for roots and once they have developed, the cutting can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division
Division can be done in early spring before the plant starts to grow. Dig up the plant and use a sharp knife to cut the root mass into sections, making sure each section has multiple shoots and a healthy root system. Replant each section in a prepared planting hole, preferably in well-drained soil. Water the newly planted sections regularly until they become established.
Seeds
Seeds should be collected when the plant's pods have turned brown. Store them in a cool, dry place until autumn, then sow the seeds in a planting tray. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the garden. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are well established.
Disease and Pest Management for Diplacus aurantiacus (W. Curtis) Jepson
Diplacus aurantiacus, commonly known as sticky monkey flower, is a beautiful flowering plant native to California. It is a landscape favorite and commonly used in gardens, but like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Understanding the common issues and their management strategies can help keep your Diplacus aurantiacus healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
The primary diseases affecting Diplacus aurantiacus are fungal infections. Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum, can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Downy mildew, caused by Peronospora sparsa, causes yellow-green patches on the leaves' upper surface, and their undersides have reddish-brown spots. Root and collar rot, caused by various species of fungi, makes the plant wilt, discolor, and die.
Management Strategies
Prevention is the best approach to manage Diplacus aurantiacus diseases. Starting with healthy plants and providing proper planting conditions, like well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and spacing, will make them less susceptible to infection. Cultural practices like pruning, cleaning debris, and watering in the morning help reduce disease incidence. Fungicides, like sulfur, copper, or neem oil, are available to treat these diseases. Follow the label instructions and apply them at the right time when disease symptoms are present.
Common Pests
Sticky monkey flower is mostly resistant to pests, but some insects can cause problems. The most common pests are aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellow leaves, and sticky excretions. Thrips are tiny, winged insects that cause leaves to become discolored, scarred, and distorted. Spider mites are minuscule pests that feed on the plant's cells, causing stippling, yellowing, and bronzing of foliage.
Management Strategies
Prevention is the best strategy for pest control for Diplacus aurantiacus. Regular monitoring and quick action on sighting infestations prevent pest populations from becoming established. Mechanical control, like using a strong jet of water or handpicking, can eliminate small populations. Beneficial insects, like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites, can be introduced to control pest populations naturally. Organic insecticides, like insecticidal soap or neem oil, can be used to control pest populations. Follow the label instructions and apply them when pest populations are low to prevent harming beneficial insects.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can keep your Diplacus aurantiacus healthy and beautiful for years to come.
