Overview
Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is commonly known as sticky drymaria, glandular drymaria, or wedelia.
Origin
It is native to Central America, including Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Appearance
Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl is a small, creeping annual plant that reaches up to 7 cm in height. Its stems are slender and hairy. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate to lanceolate in shape, measuring approximately 1 to 2 cm in length. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, with five petals and sepals. The fruit is a capsule containing many small seeds.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl has been used for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It has also been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory ailments. In some countries, it is considered an edible herb and is used in cooking as a flavoring agent. Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and is used as a ground cover in landscaping.
Growth Conditions of Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl
Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae and is a small perennial herb found in many tropical and subtropical regions. It is commonly known as White Buttons or Tropical Chickweed.
Light Requirements
Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl prefers bright but indirect sunlight to grow. It can also withstand partial shade. However, it is sensitive to intense sunlight and may exhibit leaf burn or wilting when exposed to it for a prolonged period.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl ranges from 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 35°C. However, extreme temperature fluctuations can affect its growth and damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clayey soils but requires soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.5). The soil must be well-aerated with good water holding capacity and should not be waterlogged or prone to flooding.
Water Requirements
Consistent and moderate watering is necessary for the growth of Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl. The plant requires regular watering, especially in dry seasons, to maintain good soil moisture levels and prevent wilting or drying of leaves. Overwatering or watering in excess can lead to root-rot and damage to the plant.
Fertilizer Requirements
Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl does not require frequent fertilization. However, occasional feeding with balanced fertilizers can enhance its growth and ensure better flowering and fruiting. The fertilizer should be applied in small quantities and during the growing season, preferably with organic sources.
Cultivation Methods
Drymaria glandulosa, commonly known as White Buttons, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The plant is a creeper and can either be grown as a groundcover or in a hanging basket. It can tolerate different types of soils and lighting conditions, including full sun and partial shade. Propagation is through stem cuttings, seeds, or division of established plants.
Watering Needs
The Drymaria glandulosa requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. However, too much water can lead to root rot, so avoid overwatering. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and avoid letting the soil dry out entirely. The best way to determine when to water the plant is by checking the soil moisture level using a moisture meter or feeling it with your fingers.
Fertilization
Although it can grow well in poor soils, Drymaria glandulosa benefits from regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the active growing months of spring and summer. Reduce feeding during winter or when the plant is dormant. Ensure the plant is watered well before applying fertilizer, and avoid overfeeding, which can lead to fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning helps to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Cut back the stems occasionally to promote new growth and control its size and shape. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage the plant to become fuller and produce more flowers. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. It's best to prune during the active growing season when the plant is actively putting out new growth.
Propagation of Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl
Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl is commonly propagated through two methods, namely, seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl can be obtained either from a local nursery or by collecting mature seed capsules from the plant. Once the seed capsules have dried up and turned brown, they can be harvested by snipping them off the plant and storing them in a dry place until ready for use.
The next step is to prepare a mixture of equal parts of peat moss and fine sand or perlite. Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of the potting mixture and cover them lightly with a layer of the potting mix. Do not bury the seeds too deep as they need light to germinate.
Water the seeds lightly and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a sheet of glass to retain moisture and humidity. Place the pot in a warm, bright location that receives indirect sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged and the seeds should start to germinate in a week or so.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Another way to propagate Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a potting mix.
To start, select a healthy stem from the parent plant that is free from disease or pest damage. Using a sharp, sterile blade, take a 3-4 inch cutting from the stem and remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder to promote root development.
Prepare a well-draining potting mix made of equal parts of perlite, peat moss, and coarse sand. Make a hole in the potting mix using a pencil or a dibber, and insert the stem cutting into the hole. Firm the potting mix around the stem and water it lightly to settle the potting mix.
Place the pot in a warm, bright location that receives indirect sunlight and keep the potting mix evenly moist. The cutting should start to grow roots in a few weeks, and new leaves will emerge once the roots have established themselves in the potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl
Drymaria glandulosa K. Presl is a low-growing, spreading plant that belongs to the flowering plant family Caryophyllaceae. As with any other plant, it is essential to manage the diseases and pests that may affect D. glandulosa to ensure its healthy growth and development.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect D. glandulosa is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that looks like white or gray powdery growth on the leaves or stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove the affected leaves or stems and spray the plant with a fungicide. Ensure that the plant is adequately watered and not stressed as stressed plants are more susceptible to fungal infections.
Leaf spot is also a common disease that affects D. glandulosa. Leaf spot appears as circular or irregular brown or black lesions on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, you can remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide. Ensure that the plant is adequately watered and not stressed as stressed plants are more susceptible to fungal infections.
Common Pests
Spider mites and aphids are common pests that may affect D. glandulosa. Spider mites are tiny mites that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow. Aphids, on the other hand, are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves and excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of black sooty mold. To manage spider mites and aphids, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure that you spray the undersides of the leaves as this is where the pests often hide.
Caterpillars are also common pests that may affect D. glandulosa. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies, and they usually feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, you can remove them by hand or spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a bacterial insecticide that specifically targets caterpillars.
It is vital to keep an eye on D. glandulosa for any signs of diseases or pests and immediately take action to manage them. By following these management practices, you can ensure that your D. glandulosa remains healthy and vibrant.
