Overview
Drosanthemum paxianum (Schltr. & Diels) Schwantes is a succulent plant belonging to the family Aizoaceae. It is commonly known as the "Pax's Dewflower" and is native to Namibia and South Africa.
Description
The plant has a prostrate growth habit and can spread up to 30cm. It has small green leaves that are covered in minute hairs and has a thick, water-storing stem. The flowers produced are pink or purple and appear in clusters from late winter to mid-summer.
Uses
The species is popular in gardens and used as ground cover. It is also suitable for cultivation as a container plant. The plant is drought-resistant and can grow in a range of conditions as long as they have full sunlight and well-draining soil. Additionally, it is used in traditional medicine as a remedy for stomach ailments.
Cultivation
Drosanthemum paxianum can be propagated easily from stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken during late winter or early spring and planted in well-draining soil. The plant should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Fertilizer is not necessary, but occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth.
Conclusion
Drosanthemum paxianum is a popular ground-cover plant that is drought-resistant and easy to grow. It offers a bright pink to purple bloom that brightens up gardens during summer. This plant also has traditional medicinal uses and is a beneficial addition to gardens and container plants alike.
Light Requirements
Drosanthemum paxianum is a sun-loving plant and requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth, reduced blooming, and overall poor health of the plant. Therefore, it's best to grow it in an open area that receives abundant sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Drosanthemum paxianum is a drought-tolerant plant that can handle high temperatures and low humidity. It's best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where the average temperature ranges between 10 to 35°C (50 to 95°F). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C (41°F) for a short period, but prolonged exposure to frost can damage or even kill it.
Soil Requirements
Drosanthemum paxianum prefers well-draining soil that's slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.0). The soil should be porous, gritty, and contain a high proportion of sand, silt, and gravel. A mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss provides excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated. Avoid waterlogged or poorly-drained soils, which can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Drosanthemum paxianum requires full sunlight for several hours each day to maintain its compact shape and vibrant color. It's best to plant this succulent in well-draining soil, preferably mixed with sand and perlite to ensure that the plant's roots don't rot. The plant also prefers warm temperatures of about 70 - 80 °F. Propagation of the plant is achieved through stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
While Drosanthemum paxianum is a drought-tolerant plant, it still requires regular watering. Young plants must be watered more frequently than mature ones. Water the plant when the soil has become entirely dry. Unlike most plants, you must refrain from watering this plant on the leaves, as this can cause spotting and damage the plant. Instead, water it at the soil level around the plant.
Fertilization
Drosanthemum paxianum doesn't require frequent fertilization. However, to ensure healthy growth and blooming, you should fertilize this plant occasionally during the growing season. Use a standard succulent fertilizer and apply strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Also, avoid fertilizing the plant during winter dormancy.
Pruning
Pruning Drosanthemum paxianum is quite simple. Mostly, you want to remove dead or dying growth to prevent the spread of disease throughout the plant. Additionally, you can prune the plant to maintain its shape and size. Using a sterilized pair of scissors, cut plant parts on sharp angles to discourage rotting. Prune the plant during the growing season, and avoid cutting too much of the plant, as this can stunt growth.
Propagation of Drosanthemum paxianum
The propagation of Drosanthemum paxianum is relatively easy and can be done through stem cuttings, seeds, or division.
Propagation by stem cuttings
The most common propagation method for Drosanthemum paxianum is through stem cuttings. This involves taking a stem that is about 3-5 cm long with at least two leaves and planting it in well-draining soil. The cutting should be kept in a warm and bright location and watered sparingly until new growth appears, which usually occurs within a few weeks. Once the new plant has established itself, it can be planted in its permanent location.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is also possible, but it may take longer to grow a mature plant. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of sand. The container should be placed in a warm and bright location and watered sparingly. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted to larger containers or planted in their permanent location.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division involves separating the root system of an existing plant into smaller sections and replanting these sections. This method is best done during the plant's dormant season, which is typically in the fall or winter. The sections should be replanted in well-draining soil and kept in a bright location with minimal watering until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Drosanthemum paxianum is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it is still susceptible to some problems under certain conditions. Here are some common diseases that may afflict Drosanthemum paxianum and some ways to manage them:
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the crown of the plant, turning it brown or black. It is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which leads to anaerobic conditions around the roots. To manage crown rot, preventive measures are essential. Avoid overwatering, water only as needed, and ensure proper drainage by providing a well-draining soil mix. Remove and dispose of infected plants immediately and sterilize soil and containers to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that coalesces on the leaves, causing yellowing and eventually browning of infected tissues. To manage leaf spot, remove and dispose of infected plants and leaves immediately and avoid overhead watering as it increases the humidity and encourages fungal growth. Improve air circulation around the plants, provide proper ventilation and space them far apart in the greenhouse. Applying a copper-based fungicide also reduces the spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots and causes them to rot, turn brown or black and eventually die off, leading to stunted growth or plant death. It is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, prevention is key. Provide well-draining soil mix, avoid overwatering, and improve drainage by adding perlite or sand for drainage. Ensure good air circulation by spacing the plants well apart, and remove and dispose of infected plants promptly.
Pest Management
Although Drosanthemum paxianum is generally resistant to pests, it can still be affected by a few. Here are some common pests that may infest Drosanthemum paxianum and suggestions on how to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, almost invisible arachnids that feed on plant sap and create webbing, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They thrive in hot, dry environments. To manage spider mites, apply a miticide or a mixture of water and soap, prune the infected areas, create a humid environment by spraying water mist over the plant every day and increase air circulation.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small insects that suck sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. They secrete a cottony substance, and their presence can attract ants. To manage mealybugs, remove infected plants immediately, create a humid environment by spraying water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, and prune infected areas. Regularly inspect the plants to detect the presence of mealybugs at an early stage.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, flat, oval-shaped pests that suck sap and produce a waxy film over their bodies, making them difficult to detect. They cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or neem oil to dab the affected areas to remove adult insects. Prune infected areas, spray a solution of insecticidal soap, or use a mixture of water and alcohol.
Apply these preventative measures as part of an integrated pest management program to keep Drosanthemum paxianum healthy and disease-free.
