Overview
Evolvulus macilentus Small is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is a terrestrial plant that is native to the southeastern United States.
Common Names
The common names of Evolvulus macilentus Small include slender dwarf morning-glory, slender dwarf bindweed, and small-flowered morning-glory.
Appearance
Evolvulus macilentus Small is a small, prostrate herb that is 5-25 cm long. It has trailing stems that are tinged with red and green. The leaves are alternate, linear, and measure up to 3 cm long and 1 mm wide. The flowers are small, measuring less than 1 cm, and they are pale-blue or white in color. Evolvulus macilentus Small produces small, round, slightly curved capsules that contain numerous seeds.
Uses
Evolvulus macilentus Small is primarily used as an ornamental ground cover in landscaping applications. It is useful for covering slopes, rock gardens, and as a filler in flower beds. The plant is also used in herbal medicine as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia.
Light Requirements
Evolvulus macilentus Small thrives in full sun or partial shade conditions. The plant requires adequate sunlight exposure to promote healthy growth and development. Factors like shade, cloudy weather, or dense vegetation may hinder its growth and reduce its overall productivity.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures as long as they do not exceed its tolerance levels or fall below its threshold. Evolvulus macilentus Small can tolerate temperatures as low as 5? and as high as 34?. However, temperatures above 40? or below -5? may severely damage the plant's foliage or roots, leading to stunted growth or death.
Soil Requirements
Evolvulus macilentus Small prefers well-draining, moist soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils or extreme acidic or alkaline conditions that alter the pH balance. Ideally, the soil's pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5 to support optimal nutrient uptake and promote healthy root development. Adding compost or fertilizers to the soil may enhance its fertility and improve the overall growth of the plant.
Cultivation
Evolvulus macilentus Small is an easy-to-grow plant and can be grown in any well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade for growing this plant.
You can start growing the plant from seed or vegetatively from cuttings. If starting from seeds, plant them in late spring or early summer. Fill a seed tray with soil and sprinkle the seeds on top. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them. Keep the soil moist and let the seeds germinate in about 2-3 weeks.
Watering Needs
While Evolvulus macilentus Small prefers well-draining soil, it still requires moderate watering to thrive well. Water the plant once per week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
During the summer months, you may need to water the plant more frequently as the soil tends to dry out quickly. However, be sure not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Fertilization
Feed your Evolvulus macilentus Small plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or something similar.
You can also add some organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve the soil fertility and provide additional nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Evolvulus macilentus Small doesn't require much pruning, but you can prune it to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth appears.
You can trim the stems and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning can also help stimulate new growth and encourage more blooms on the plant.
Remember to always use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant.
Propagation of Evolvulus macilentus Small
Evolvulus macilentus Small, also known as slender dwarf morning-glory, is a plant species that is native to the southeastern United States.
There are two main methods of propagating Evolvulus macilentus.
Vegetative Propagation
One common method of propagating Evolvulus macilentus is through vegetative propagation, which involves taking cuttings from an existing plant and planting them to produce new plants.
To propagate Evolvulus macilentus through cuttings, select healthy stems from a mature plant and cut them at a length of 3-4 inches. Make a clean cut at an angle and remove any leaves from the lower part of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development.
Place the cutting in a pot filled with a well-drained potting mix and keep the soil moist. Keep the pot in a warm and well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cutting should have started to develop roots. At this point, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Seed Propagation
Another method of propagating Evolvulus macilentus is through seed propagation.
To start growing Evolvulus macilentus from seed, first, collect mature seed pods from an existing plant. Allow the pods to dry on the plant until they turn brown and start to split open. Harvest the pods and allow them to dry completely before opening them to extract the seeds.
Sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. The seeds should start to germinate within 1-2 weeks. Once the plants have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation is an easy and effective way to produce new Evolvulus macilentus plants, whether through vegetative propagation or seed propagation.
Disease Management
Although Evolvulus macilentus Small is generally healthy and disease-resistant, it can still fall prey to a few diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that may affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot: This is caused by a fungal infection and can lead to the formation of dark brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to use a copper-based fungicide and to remove the infected leaves. It also helps to avoid overhead watering and minimize leaf moisture.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage root rot, it is essential to correct soil drainage by adding sand or perlite. Watering should also be reduced, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
- Powdery Mildew: This is characterized by a powdery white substance on the leaves. It is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and treat with a fungicide. Regularly pruning the plant also helps to prevent powdery mildew outbreaks.
Pest Management
Similar to diseases, Evolvulus macilentus Small is not very susceptible to severe pest infestations. However, it can still be affected by a few pests. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Spider Mites: These are tiny insects that form spider webs on the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap and continuously remove webbing.
- Whiteflies: These insects are small, white, and fly-like. They suck sap from the plant and excrete sticky honeydew that makes the plant susceptible to fungal infections. To manage whiteflies, spray the plant with insecticidal soap and trap them using yellow sticky traps.
- Caterpillars: These insects can feed on leaves, and their infestation is generally severe during the growing season. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant and use a Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticide.
It is essential to monitor the plant regularly to ensure that pest and disease infestations do not get out of hand. Additionally, practicing good plant hygiene practices, such as regularly removing weeds and debris around the plant, helps to keep pests and diseases away.
