Origin
Drosanthemum striatum (Haw.) Schwantes var. pallens (Haw.) G.D.Rowley, commonly known as Pink Sun Rose, is a succulent plant-species that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. It is native to South Africa and found extensively in the Cape Floristic Region.
Common Names
The Pink Sun Rose has several common names, including Striped Dewplant, Dewplane, and Pink Flower Carpet. In Afrikaans, the plant is called Bietouvygie or Rooiblaarvygie.
Uses
The Pink Sun Rose is popularly cultivated as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, where it can form a bright pink mat during the blooming season. It is also used in container gardens, grown indoors, or outdoors in temperate climates. Apart from its aesthetic value, the plant is also utilized in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance
The Pink Sun Rose is a low-growing, evergreen succulent with a ground-hugging or creeping habit. It forms a dense mat or carpet of fleshy leaves that are green, cylindrical, and up to 6 cm long. The leaves also have longitudinal stripes or markings that are reddish-brown in color. During the summer months, the plant produces an abundance of small, daisy-like flowers that are pink or purple and have yellow centers. The flowers emerge from the center of the plant and are held above the foliage on wiry stems that can be up to 15 cm long.
Light Requirements
Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens needs full sun exposure for optimal growth and bloom. It thrives in bright light conditions and does best in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light results in weak, leggy stems that may affect flower production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Its frost tolerance is low, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can damage or kill the plant. Therefore, it is best grown in regions with mild winters or as indoor potted plants in cold areas.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil mixtures rich in organic matter. It will not tolerate soil that is waterlogged, compacted, or heavy in clay. Maintaining a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5 best supports its growth. The plant is susceptible to root rot, so adequate drainage is essential.
Watering Requirements
Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering. The plant will thrive in dry, sunny conditions where the soil drains water well. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot, which can be fatal. Watering should be restricted during winters to prevent damage from cold temperatures, which can increase plant stress.
Fertilizer Requirements
Applying a balanced, water-soluble, slow-release fertilizer containing essential minerals and macronutrients is necessary for optimal growth of the Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens. Feeding should be done during the active growth period, from spring to summer, and discontinued during the winter dormancy phase. Over-fertilization can damage the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Drosanthemum striatum (Haw.) Schwantes var. pallens (Haw.) G.D.Rowley is a succulent plant and can be propagated from stem cuttings. It thrives in a bright and warm location with well-draining soil. These plants are drought-tolerant, and excessive watering can lead to root rot, so avoid keeping the soil too wet.
Watering Needs
These plants require occasional watering and prefer to be kept on the drier side. It would be best if you allowed the topsoil to dry out between watering. During the summer months, when the plants are actively growing, increase the amount of water given but avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
Drosanthemum striatum (Haw.) Schwantes var. pallens (Haw.) G.D.Rowley is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much fertilization. You can feed the plant with a well-balanced fertilizer once every two to three months during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Drosanthemum striatum (Haw.) Schwantes var. pallens (Haw.) G.D.Rowley does not require much pruning. You can remove any dead or damaged growth with sterile pruning shears. It would be best if you also considered pruning any leggy growth to encourage bushier growth. However, avoid pruning too much, as it can stunt the plant's growth.
Propagation of Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens
Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Propagation by seeds is easy and straightforward but can take longer to establish compared to cuttings. On the other hand, propagation by cuttings is faster and can produce plants that are identical to the parent plant.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens can be sown indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate and growing conditions. In areas with mild climates, seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed, while in colder climates, they are best started indoors in trays or pots.
The seeds must be cleaned and dried before sowing to avoid fungal infection and rot. They can be sown on the surface of a moist and well-draining soil mix and lightly covered to prevent drying out. The ideal germination temperature is between 18-24°C, and germination can take 1-2 weeks.
Once the seedlings have grown their true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden or individual pots. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period. Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens is drought-tolerant but needs consistent watering during hot and dry weather.
Propagation by Cuttings
Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growth period in spring or summer.
The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants, with at least two nodes per cutting. They must be allowed to dry and callus for a day or two before planting. The cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and watered sparingly until roots develop, usually after 2-4 weeks.
Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be gradually acclimatized to a brighter location and normal watering routine. Like seeds, cuttings can also be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden or individual pots.
Disease Management
Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens is not particularly susceptible to diseases, but it may encounter some fungal infections in the right conditions. The most common fungi that affect this plant are Botrytis cinerea and powdery mildew.
To manage Botrytis cinerea, apply a fungicide to the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the plant is dry. Make sure to remove any infected leaves or stems and dispose of them immediately to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Powdery mildew can also be prevented through similar methods. Remove any infected plant parts immediately and keep the area around the plant adequately ventilated. Alternatively, use a fungicide that specifically targets powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens may be infested by several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant are spider mites and aphids.
To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water regularly to discourage them. Increase the humidity levels around the plant by using a humidity tray or misting the plant's leaves. Use a suitable pesticide that targets this pest, if necessary.
Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Use a forceful spray of water to dislodge them from the plant if the infestation is not severe. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids, so introduce them to the area around the plant if possible.
Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and diseases and taking appropriate action when early signs are detected will help maintain the health of Drosanthemum striatum var. pallens.
