Origin of Dorotheanthus bellidiformis (Burm.f.) N.E.Br. subsp. hestermalensis Ihlenf. & Struck
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis (Burm.f.) N.E.Br. subsp. hestermalensis Ihlenf. & Struck belongs to the family Aizoaceae and is native to South Africa. It can be found growing abundantly in parts of Namibia and South Africa.
Common Names
This plant is popularly known by multiple names such as bokbaaivygie, Cape marigold, meelblommetjie, ice plant, and pig-face.
Uses of Dorotheanthus bellidiformis (Burm.f.) N.E.Br. subsp. hestermalensis Ihlenf. & Struck
The succulent leaves of Dorotheanthus bellidiformis (Burm.f.) N.E.Br. subsp. hestermalensis are edible and are used as a salad ingredient. The leaves also have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, sore throat, and stomach upsets. In some regions, the plant is used to make dyes for textiles and baskets. Moreover, it is a popular ornamental plant cultivated in pots, hanging baskets, and rock gardens.
General Appearance
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis (Burm.f.) N.E.Br. subsp. hestermalensis is a low-growing perennial plant that grows up to 10-15 cm high and 30 cm wide. The plant has succulent, cylindrical leaves that are blue-green to grey-green in color and measure 2-4 cm long. The leaves are covered with papillae that look like small water droplets, giving it a frosty appearance. The flowers of the plant are bright and come in various colors such as white, pink, yellow, red, and orange. The flowers open in the morning and close in the late afternoon, giving the plant a unique feature. The fruit of the plant is a 5-locular capsule containing many seeds.
Growth Conditions for Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis
Light: Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis requires full sunlight to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade but will not thrive in shaded areas. The plants can withstand direct sunlight without any damage.
Temperature: The optimal temperature range for Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). The plants can withstand temperatures as high as 90°F (32°C) but can experience damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). In general, the plants do well in warm temperatures.
Soil: Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay. However, the soil must be well-draining as the plants are susceptible to root rot when grown in waterlogged soil. The soil should also be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
Water: The plants are drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without watering. However, for proper growth and blooming, the plants should be watered regularly but not excessively. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to stunted growth and fewer blooms. The soil should be moist but not saturated.
Fertilizer: Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis does not require fertilizer to thrive. However, adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can promote better growth and blooming. Fertilizer should be applied sparingly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Cultivation Methods
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis Ihlenf. & Struck commonly known as Livingstone daisy is a succulent plant that is easy to grow and perfect for hot, dry environments. It can grow up to 10cm in height with finely pointed leaves that are up to 3.5cm long. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun to thrive.
Watering Needs
The Livingstone daisy is a drought-tolerant plant and requires infrequent watering. It is best to water the plant when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid getting water on the foliage, which can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization
The Livingstone daisy does not require fertilization to grow. However, if you want to encourage blooming, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. It is important not to over-fertilize as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning
The Livingstone daisy requires very little pruning other than the removal of dead or damaged leaves or stems. Pruning can be done at any time during the growing season. Cutting back the plant after blooming has finished can encourage a second flush of flowers.
Propagation of Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be sown in the spring or summer. The soil must be well-draining with a mixture of sand, vermiculite, and peat moss. The seeds should be covered with a fine layer of soil, watered, and placed in a warm location with plenty of sunlight. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a sufficient size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings can be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 3-4 inches long and taken from the tip of the plant. The leaves from the bottom half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in well-draining soil with a mixture of sand and peat moss. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location. Roots should start to appear in around 2-3 weeks, and the cutting can then be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Division
Established plants can be divided during the growing season. The plant should be carefully lifted from the soil and the root ball separated gently into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy shoot and root system. The divided plants can then be replanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis is generally a hardy plant that is not often affected by pests or diseases. However, there are still a few potential issues that gardeners should be aware of and manage to ensure the continued vitality and health of their plants.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases to affect Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis is rust. Rust appears as small, orange-red spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. This fungal disease can be prevented through proper sanitation practices, including avoiding overhead watering and removing infected plant debris from the area.
Another disease that may affect this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, gardeners should ensure adequate air circulation around the plant and avoid excessive moisture on the leaves. Fungicides may also be used as necessary.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that may affect Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis is the spider mite. These tiny pests feed on the plant's chlorophyll, causing leaves to appear speckled and yellowed. Spider mites can be prevented through regular plant inspection and maintaining adequate soil moisture levels to prevent stress on the plant.
Another potential pest issue for this plant is aphids. Aphids feed on the soft tissue of the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort. They can be managed through regular plant inspection and the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, with proactive management and proper cultural practices, gardeners can prevent and manage potential pest and disease issues with Dorotheanthus bellidiformis subsp. hestermalensis to ensure healthy and vibrant plants.
