Origin:
Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC. is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to South Africa, specifically the Western Cape Province. It is one of 19 species in the Gazania genus.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the Trailing Gazania, and it also goes by the name of Treasure Flower.
Uses:
The Trailing Gazania is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, prized for its brightly-colored flowers. It is often used in ground cover plantings or grown in pots and hanging baskets. The flowers bloom in a range of colors from yellow to orange, red, and pink, and their petals may have contrasting stripes or spots of another color. The plant requires minimal care and is drought tolerant, making it a popular choice for gardens in arid climates.
General Appearance:
The Trailing Gazania is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial, with trailing stems that form a carpet-like groundcover. The leaves are silver-green in color and are deeply lobed, with toothed edges. The flowers have daisy-like appearance, with a yellow center disk and radiating petals. They close at night and on cloudy days, opening again in the sun. The plant typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches and a spread of 12 to 24 inches.
Light Conditions
Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC. thrives in an area with full sunlight exposure of at least 6 hours per day. It is important to place the plant in a location with no shade to avoid stunted growth and weak stems. Inadequate sunlight may also affect the plant's flowering capacity.
Temperature Requirements
G. humilis is a warm-season plant that prefers soil temperatures of around 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C). The plant grows best in areas with daytime temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Low temperatures below 60°F (15.6°C) may cause the plant to wilt and stunt its growth, while temperatures higher than 95°F (35°C) may cause leaf scorching.
Soil Conditions
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5. A fertile soil with a good drainage system ensures that the soil does not become waterlogged, leading to root rot. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss can improve the soil structure and improve water retention capacity. It is also essential to avoid over-fertilizing and to maintain moderate soil moisture levels to prevent fungal and bacterial diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC. is typically propagated using seeds. Sow seeds in a well-draining soil mixture with a 1/8-inch cover of soil. Keep soil slightly moist, and maintain a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit until germination, which usually occurs within two to four weeks. Transplant seedlings into individual pots with well-draining soil once they are large enough to handle, and then transplant them to their permanent location in the garden after the last frost.
Watering Needs
Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC. prefers dry to medium moisture, although it is important not to allow the soil to completely dry out. Water once a week, especially during the hot, dry summer months. Water at the soil level, taking care not to wet the foliage to avoid disease issues.
Fertilization
Feed Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC. every two to four weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package regarding rates and application methods. Try to avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC. benefits from deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers and stems as soon as they begin to wither. This encourages more flowers to form and promotes a tidy appearance. Cut back the plant by approximately one-third in the early spring before new growth appears. Prune again in the late summer if the plant begins to look leggy.
Propagating Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC.
Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC. can be propagated by several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Gazania humilis. Sow the seeds in early spring in a well-drained potting mix, then place them in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not wet and germination should occur within two weeks. Once the seedlings have grown at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Division Propagation
Gazania humilis can be propagated through division, but it's best to do so in the early spring or autumn. Carefully dig up the plant, separate the root ball into several sections, and replant them immediately. Water them well and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Cutting Propagation
Gazania humilis can also be propagated by cuttings. Take stem cuttings from the plant in the spring or summer, making sure each cutting has at least three leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-drained potting mix. Place the cutting in a bright, but not too sunny area and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC.
Gazania humilis E.Mey. ex DC., commonly known as treasure flower, is a flowering plant that is low-maintenance and easy to grow. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. In this section, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect Gazania humilis and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Gazania humilis
Gazania humilis is generally resistant to most diseases but can still be affected by some common ones such as:
- Botrytis blight: This is a fungal disease that affects the flowers and leaves, causing them to turn brown and die. The best way to manage this disease is to remove the affected parts and ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular brown spots to appear on the leaves. Watering the plant at the base, and avoiding wetting the leaves and flowers, can help prevent this disease. In severe cases, consider using fungicides to control it.
Common Pests of Gazania humilis
Gazania humilis is also susceptible to some pests that can damage the plant, including:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests infest the underside of leaves and cause yellowing and brown spots on the foliage. Regularly spraying the plant with water, or using insecticidal soap can help control spider mites.
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects cluster on new growth and cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They can be removed by spraying the plant with a stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Snails and slugs: These pests can eat large amounts of foliage, flowers, and stems overnight. Use slug baits or handpicking to manage their numbers, especially during wet periods.
In conclusion, by following good gardening practices such as regular watering, proper fertilization, and proper air circulation, Gazania humilis can be healthy and free from most diseases and pests. Addressing issues promptly and keeping a watchful eye out for problems is key to successful management.
