Overview of Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush.
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush., commonly known as Pacific drymaria, is a small, flowering plant in the drymaria family. It is native to the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
General appearance of Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush.
Pacific drymaria grows as a creeping, mat-forming plant, with small grey-green leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom between June and August. It typically reaches a height of only 5-10 cm.
Common names for Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush.
Besides Pacific drymaria, this plant is also called Hana-shioble in Japanese, and Xian Zi Cao in Chinese.
Uses of Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush.
Pacific drymaria is used in traditional Chinese medicine to help treat various ailments, such as fevers, urinary tract infections, and sore throats. In Japan, it is sometimes used as an ingredient in herbal remedies to alleviate skin conditions, such as eczema. However, little research has been done to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using this plant for medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Drymaria cordata var. pacifica is a shade-loving plant that prefers to grow under dappled sunlight or partial shade. It can also tolerate full shade conditions, but it will slow down its growth and may become leggy if the shade is too dense. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves and cause the plant to wilt or suffer from sunburn. Therefore, it is recommended to grow Drymaria cordata var. pacifica under a sheltered spot that provides some shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Drymaria cordata var. pacifica is a tropical to subtropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It prefers temperatures between 20°C and 27°C (68°F to 81°F) and can tolerate occasional dips below 15°C (59°F) or above 32°C (90°F). However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 37°C (99°F) can harm the plant and even kill it. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant in a stable and warm environment, especially during the colder months.
Soil Requirements
Drymaria cordata var. pacifica is an adaptable plant that can grow in various soil types but prefers well-draining, moist, and rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (6.0 to 7.0). It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clayey soils, as long as the soil is not too compact or waterlogged. The ideal soil texture for Drymaria cordata var. pacifica is fertile, loose, and crumbly, with good aeration and water retention capacity. The plant also benefits from regular applications of organic matter, such as compost or mulch, to improve the soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush. is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide variety of soil types, from sandy to clayey. This plant can be propagated by seeds, which need to be sown in spring or summer. Alternatively, it can be propagated by stem cuttings in early summer.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush., it is important to provide consistent moisture, but not overwater. The plant prefers moist soil, but can rot if soil is constantly soggy. Watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather, should suffice. During dry periods or hot spells, increase watering frequency to once every two days.
Fertilization
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush. does not require heavy fertilization, but can benefit from an occasional dose of plant food. Use a general-purpose organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
The Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush. is a low-maintenance plant that does not require heavy pruning. However, it can benefit from occasional pinching or trimming to promote fuller growth and better branching. Prune back any withered or damaged foliage regularly to keep the plant looking healthy. If the plant becomes too large, trim it back to the desired size using pruning shears in late winter or early spring.
Propagation Methods for Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush.
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush. can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common ways to propagate Drymaria cordata is by using its seeds. The seeds of this plant are small and black in color. They can be collected by hand from the flower stalk after the flowers have dried up and released their seeds. The seeds should then be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time.
When sowing seeds, it is important to prepare the soil beforehand. Sow seeds in a well-draining soil mix so that the soil stays moist, but not waterlogged. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist by misting with water regularly. Germination usually occurs within 1-3 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Drymaria cordata can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and should be at least 4-6 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist by misting with water regularly.
Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. It should root within 2-4 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted and started to grow, it can be repotted into a larger container or planted outside in the garden.
Division Propagation
Drymaria cordata can also be propagated by division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This can be done when the plant has become too large for its pot or space in the garden.
To divide the plant, carefully remove it from its pot or dig it up from the garden. Gently separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure that each section has some roots and shoots. Plant each section in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist by misting with water regularly.
Be patient when propagating Drymaria cordata, as it can take some time for new plants to become established. With the right care and attention, however, you will soon have a thriving collection of these charming plants.
Disease Management
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush. is a hardy plant and is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it can still fall prey to certain diseases under certain conditions. The following are some common diseases affecting the plant and ways to manage them:
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, preventing them from taking up water and nutrients. This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. If root rot has already set in, remove the affected parts of the plant and repot in fresh soil.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. This disease is more prevalent in humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plant, avoid overcrowding and ensure appropriate spacing when planting. Applying fungicides such as sulfur-based sprays can also help control the disease.
Pest Management
While Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. pacifica Mizush. is not susceptible to many pests, the following are some common pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can be found on the underside of leaves. These insects suck sap from the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. In severe cases, insecticides such as neem oil can be used.
Mites
Mites are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and distortion. These pests thrive in dry conditions. To manage mites, ensure the plant is well watered and increase the humidity around the plant. Applying insecticides such as pyrethrin can also help control the infestation.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that are commonly found on the leaves and stems of the plant. These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. In severe cases, insecticides such as horticultural oils can be applied to manage the infestation.
