Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis is a small alpine plant in the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as Fladnitz Draba. It is a native plant of the Eastern Alps, found in Austria and Slovenia, and is typically found at elevations between 1800m and 2880m. It has small, flowering stems that form a dense cushion, measuring about 2-10cm in height.
The plant's leaves are olive green or yellow green in color, with a glabrous (hairless) and waxy texture. The leaves are spoon-shaped or spathulate and can be up to 3 cm in length. The flowers are small, white or yellow in color, and have 4 petals that are arranged in a cross shape.
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis is a highly valued plant in alpine gardens and rock gardens. It is also used for medicinal purposes by local populations, having been traditionally used to treat respiratory problems and to relieve coughing. Plant parts and extracts are used to create throat lozenges and cough syrups. In addition, the plant is important as a food source for various animals, including mountain goats and rabbits.
Light Requirements
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis typically grows in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate both direct and indirect sunlight, but it prefers cooler temperatures when grown in full sun. It performs best when exposed to at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis is between 5°C to 20°C. It can survive in temperatures as low as -15°C but does not thrive in high temperatures. The plant is native to alpine areas, so it is adapted to colder environments with short growing seasons.
Soil Requirements
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The soil should not be soggy, but it should not dry out completely. It requires soils with good nutrient content, but it cannot tolerate excessive amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. It typically grows in rocky or gravelly soils that have good drainage.
Cultivation methods for Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis is a tough plant that thrives in alpine situations. It prefers a habitat that has poor soil pH but ample drainage. It is recommended that the plant be grown in a spot that gets direct sunlight for part of the day.
The plant's propagation is done through seeds which should be planted in early spring as soon as the ground thaws enough to work it. The seedlings should be thinned out and spaced from one another to ensure that they can grow fully.
Watering needs for Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis plants should be watered regularly during the germination and establishment phases. Once established, they rarely require additional watering since they can survive on the minimal moisture available from snow and dew. Overwatering the plants can lead to root rot, which is harmful to the plant.
Fertilization for Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis
The plant does not require much fertilizer, and a slow-release fertilizer applied once a year is enough to sustain optimal growth. Since the plant grows in poor soils characterized by low pH and low nutrient content, it is recommended that you do a soil fertility test before installing the plants to determine what nutrient it lacks most.
Pruning of Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis does not require pruning to be healthy. However, deadheading can stimulate a second round of blooms. Use a pair of pruning shears and cut off the dead blooms to encourage branching and stronger growth in the plant.
Propagation Methods for Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. fladnizensis, also known as the Alpine Whitlowgrass, is a delicate alpine plant that can be propagated through several different methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Draba fladnizensis is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil outdoors in the spring or fall, or they can be started indoors in pots in the spring and transplanted outdoors when they are large enough to survive on their own.
To start the seeds indoors, fill a pot with a high-quality potting mix and sprinkle the Draba fladnizensis seeds on top. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil, and water them thoroughly. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Division
Draba fladnizensis can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up the plant and separating it into smaller sections, each with its own root system. This can be done in the spring or fall, and it is best to choose a cool, cloudy day to do the work.
After digging up the plant, carefully separate the roots with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Be sure to leave several healthy leaves on each section, and replant them in well-draining soil. Water the plants thoroughly, and keep them in a cool, shaded area until they are established.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a method of propagation that involves taking a cutting from the parent plant and using it to grow a new plant. This method is less common than seed or division propagation, but it can be effective with Draba fladnizensis.
Choose a healthy stem from the parent plant, and cut it at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant it in a pot of well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, sunny location. Roots should appear in a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted outdoors when it is large enough to survive on its own.
Disease Management
Draba fladnizensis is susceptible to a few different diseases, including fungal infections such as rust and powdery mildew.
Rust: Rust is characterized by orange, brown, or black lesions on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be controlled by removing any infected plant material, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides such as copper sulfate or neem oil.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It is best controlled by removing infected plant material and spraying the plant with a fungicide containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
Pest Management
Several pests can also affect Draba fladnizensis, including aphids, slugs, and root maggots.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformed leaves. They can be controlled by removing the affected leaves and stems, washing the plant with a strong spray of water, or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slugs: Slugs are mollusks that chew holes in the leaves and flowers. They can be controlled by handpicking them off the plant, providing a barrier of diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around the base of the plant, or using slug bait containing iron phosphate.
Root Maggots: Root maggots are the larvae of certain flies. They feed on the roots of the plant, causing wilting and death. They can be controlled by rotating crops, removing infected plant material, and applying beneficial nematodes to the soil.
