Origin
Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus, commonly known as the Dewy Drosanthemum, is a species of flowering succulent that is native to the Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names
Besides the Dewy Drosanthemum, this plant is also commonly known by other names such as the Red Stonecrop and Ice Plant.
General Appearance
The Dewy Drosanthemum is a mat-forming succulent plant that can spread up to one meter in diameter. Each stem of the plant is made up of many pairs of fleshy leaves that are green in color and cone-shaped, with a slightly pointed tip. When exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves turn a distinct red color along the edges and tips. Come spring and early summer, the plant produces small, daisy-like flowers that come in various shades of pink and white.
Uses
The Dewy Drosanthemum is a popular ornamental plant that is often used for ground cover, as well as for container gardening. Its low, spreading habit makes it ideal for mass plantings that require minimal maintenance. Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach upsets and wounds. The plant is also used in landscaping projects due to its ability to tolerate dry conditions and its tolerance to coastal salt spray, which makes it a popular choice for coastal gardens.
Light Requirements
Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus requires full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. However, it can also tolerate a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day or in extremely hot climates.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the arid regions of South Africa, so it requires warm temperatures to grow. Ideally, the daytime temperature should be around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature should drop to between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect the plant from frost, which can severely damage or kill it.
Soil Requirements
Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus can grow in various types of soil, but it requires well-draining soil. It can tolerate sandy, rocky, or loamy soil as long as it dries out quickly. The soil should also be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding organic matter like peat moss or compost can help improve the soil's drainage and fertility.
Water Requirements
This plant is drought-tolerant, so it requires little water. In fact, overwatering can be detrimental to its growth and health. It is best to water it only when the soil is completely dry. During the hot summer months, it may require watering once a week. In the cooler months, watering can be reduced to once every two weeks or once a month. It is important to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It can be grown outdoors in warm, dry climates or indoors as a houseplant. When planting this species, it is essential to provide well-draining soil and a sunny location.
The plant also requires a temperature between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. To propagate this succulent, take stem cuttings in spring or fall and allow them to dry for a few days before planting in a potting mix.
Watering Needs
Water should be applied to Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus when the soil is dry. During the summer, water the plant every two weeks, but reduce watering in the winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be deadly to the plant.
It is also recommended to avoid getting the foliage or flowers wet because the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
When growing Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus, it is crucial to apply a fertilizer with low nitrogen levels to prevent burning the roots. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
During the winter, fertilization should be avoided or significantly reduced.
Pruning
Pruning Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus is not typically necessary but can be done during the active growing season to remove any dead or damaged foliage.
The plant should be trimmed with clean and sharp sterile pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation methods of Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus
Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus, also known as dewflower, is a popular succulent plant that can be propagated through multiple methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds:
Propagation by seeds is the most natural way to propagate Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus. It is easy and straightforward. Collect the seeds when they are ripe and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Germination usually takes two to four weeks.
Propagation by stem cuttings:
Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem cutting from the parent plant, making sure it is at least three inches long and has a few leaves attached to it. Let it dry for one or two days before sticking it into the soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Roots should develop in two to four weeks.
Propagation by division:
Propagation by division is best for mature and well-established plants that have produced many offsets. Gently remove the parent plant from its pot and separate the offsets from the main plant. Each offset should have its roots or enough stem to anchor it into the soil. Plant each offset into a separate pot and treat them as mature plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus
Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus is a beautiful little succulent that is known for its colorful and showy flowers. However, like most plants, it is not immune to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rots. These diseases can be caused by several factors such as over-watering, poor air circulation, or high humidity. To manage fungal diseases, it is recommended to reduce watering, increase air circulation, and maintain good hygiene by removing infected leaves or stems. You can also consider using a fungicide if the situation is severe.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases are less common than fungal diseases and can be caused by infections or wounds. The most common bacterial disease in this plant is soft rot, which causes the plant to become slimy and mushy. To manage bacterial diseases, it is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid any damage or injury to the plant. You can also apply copper-based fungicides to manage bacterial infections.
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can be a serious problem for Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus. They pierce the leaves and suck out the sap, causing the leaves to turn brown and dry. To manage spider mites, the use of insecticidal soap spray is recommended. You can also minimize the infestation by maintaining good humidity and hygiene and avoiding overcrowding the plants.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied pests that resemble small pieces of cotton wool. They feed on the plant's sap and excrete a sticky substance that can lead to the growth of sooty molds. To manage mealybugs, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove them manually by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. The use of insecticidal soap spray can also be helpful.
Drosanthemum mathewsii L.Bolus is a beautiful and easy-to-care plant. By following these suggestions, you can keep your plant healthy and beautiful for years to come.
