Origin of Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins
Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins, also known as Porsild's draba, is a species of plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the Canadian Arctic, particularly in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Common Names
Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula is also commonly known as Porsild's draba, Arctic whitlow-grass, and cushion draba.
Uses of Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins
Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its delicate appearance and bright yellow flowers. It is often used in rock gardens or as groundcover in areas with poor soil and limited sunlight.
General Appearance of Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins
Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula is a small perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 3-4 centimeters. It forms a tight cushion-like mound of small green leaves that are no more than 1 cm long. The plant produces bright yellow flowers in the spring that are about 0.6 cm in diameter.
Light Requirements
Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula requires full sunlight exposure to grow effectively. Insufficient light may affect its growth and development, particularly in terms of its flowering and fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula can grow well in a broad range of temperatures but prefers cooler environments. A temperature range of 2°C to 15°C (35°F to 59°F) promotes optimal growth. Extreme heat stress or frost damage can cause its leaves and stems to wither and die.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils and may not survive in waterlogged soils. The soil should have a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 with moderate soil nutrients. A sandy or loamy texture soil with a higher organic matter content enhances its growth. Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula can tolerate soils with low fertility but will not thrive in highly saline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins, commonly known as Porsild’s draba, grows best in areas with a cool and moist climate. It can tolerate frost and requires well-draining soil for proper root growth.
It is best to plant Porsild’s draba in early spring or late fall. You can plant them in containers or directly in the garden bed. It is important to space the plants around 6 inches apart to allow for proper growth and prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.
Watering Needs
Porsild’s draba requires regular watering to maintain its growth and keep its soil moist. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. You can use a soil moisture meter to determine the soil’s moisture level and water accordingly.
During the hot summer months, you may need to increase the watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out. Make sure to water the plant deeply and provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Porsild’s draba is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Choose a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid applying too much fertilizer, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Porsild’s draba rarely requires pruning, but you can remove the spent flowers to encourage new growth and promote flowering. Use a sterilized pair of pruning shears or scissors and make clean cuts to prevent damage to the plant.
If you notice any dead or diseased branches, you can cut them back to the base to prevent the spread of disease or pests. However, be careful not to remove too much foliage, as this can affect the plant’s growth and flowering.
Propagation of Draba Porsildii Mulligan var. Brevicula
Draba Porsildii Mulligan var. Brevicula can be propagated through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
This is the most commonly used method to propagate Draba Porsildii Mulligan var. Brevicula. To propagate through seeds, sow the seeds in a container with potting soil. Keep the container in a well-lit area and ensure that the soil is kept moist. The seeds will germinate in about 4-6 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Draba Porsildii Mulligan var. Brevicula can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 2-inch long cutting from the plant's stem, making sure it has a node. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a container with potting soil, keeping the soil moist and the plant in a well-lit area. The cutting will root in about 2-3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division is another method that can be used for Draba Porsildii Mulligan var. Brevicula. This method involves dividing the plant's root system into smaller pieces and planting them in different containers with potting soil. Ensure that each division has enough roots for survival and keep the soil moist. The new plants will develop in 3-4 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins Plant
Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins, commonly known as Dwarf Draba, is a small alpine plant that is native to North America. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can decrease the health and yield of the plant. However, with timely management, it is possible to protect the plant from various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases of Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins Plant
The following are some common diseases that can affect the Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula plant:
- Fungal Diseases: Powdery Mildew, Rust, and Gray Mold are some common fungal diseases that can attack the plant. Ensure proper air circulation around the plant, remove dead plant debris, and avoid overwatering to reduce the risk of fungal disease infestation.
- Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial leaf-spot and Crown Gall are two bacterial diseases that can affect the Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula plant. Once infected, remove infected parts of the plant and dispose of them immediately.
- Viral Diseases: Viral diseases like mosaic virus and ring spot virus can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases. Therefore, it is essential to prevent the virus from spreading by discarding the plant and avoiding planting new plants in the same area.
Common Pests of Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins Plant
The following are some common pests that can attack the Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula plant:
- Aphids: These small insects can produce a sticky substance that attracts other pests and causes leaf drop. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of aphids.
- Spider Mites: They suck the plant's juices, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Prune the affected parts, and use a miticide to help control spider mites.
- Cabbage Worms: The larvae of these worms feed on the leaves, creating large, irregular holes. Handpick the worms and use Bacillus thuringiensis to control the infestation.
It is essential to keep the plant healthy and pay attention to any signs of disease or pest infestation to protect the Draba porsildii Mulligan var. brevicula (Rollins) Rollins plant from damage. Additionally, provide proper plant nutrition, water, and sunlight to help keep the plant healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.
