Overview
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock, commonly known as the smooth stem alumroot or baldhead heuchera, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in high elevations of rocky areas, mountain meadows, and open forests.
General Appearance
The smooth stem alumroot is a compact plant that grows up to 80 cm in height. The leaves are evergreen, heart-shaped, and have a reddish tint on the undersides, while the upper surface is green. The plant's stems are smooth, have no hairs, and are reddish-brown to green in color. During the summer season, the plant produces multiple small white to pink flowers in clusters on tall spikes.
Uses
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock has various medicinal uses, especially for treating wounds and cuts. The leaves and roots contain astringent compounds that are useful in stopping bleeding and for reducing inflammation. The plant also has a long history of use in traditional Native American medicine for treating inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis.
The smooth stem alumroot plant is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. The plant's vibrant foliage and attractive flowers add a bright, colorful touch to any garden setting. It is relatively easy to grow and requires low maintenance, making it a popular choice for many gardeners.
Common Names
The Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock plant is commonly known by various names such as:
- Smooth stem alumroot
- Baldhead heuchera
- Cylindrical alumroot
- Rocky mountain alumroot
- Roseroot
- Rock geranium
Growth conditions for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock
Light: Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella requires partial to full shade. It cannot tolerate full sun for extended periods but needs some sunlight to thrive. It is essential to place the plant in an area that provides enough lighting while shielding it from direct sunlight.
Temperature: The recommended temperature range for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella is between 60°F to 80°F (15.6°C to 26.7°C). It is essential to protect the plant from extreme temperatures that can affect its growth. Extremely cold temperatures can cause the plant's leaves to dry out or die. Conversely, warm temperatures above the recommended range can also harm the plant.
Soil: The soil for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. It should have a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The ideal soil type is loamy soil or soil that contains a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. This plant requires a consistently moist soil environment as it cannot thrive in drought-like conditions.
Fertilizer: Adding fertilizer to the Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella is essential for its growth. It needs a slow-release, balanced fertilizer, which should be applied in early spring. The fertilizer should contain a high amount of nitrogen and a moderate amount of phosphorus and potassium.
Water: The Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella requires consistent watering. The soil should never be left to become dry as the plant cannot thrive in drought-like conditions. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. The best watering schedule for this plant is to water it once a week, ensuring that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Method
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock can be propagated by both seeds and root divisions. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and keep it moist until germination. For root divisions, carefully lift the plant and divide the roots. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Watering Needs
The Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock plant prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil moisture level. Check the soil moisture by inserting a finger into the soil. Water if the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock plant once in early spring and again in mid-summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions, and water thoroughly after application.
Pruning
Prune the Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock plant in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves. Also, remove any flower spikes after they have finished blooming. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers and prevents self-seeding.
Propagation of Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock, commonly known as slender alumroot, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is widely grown for its stunning foliage and delicate flowers. Propagation of this plant is quite easy and involves several methods. Here are some propagation methods for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock:
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock is by division of mature plants. This can be done in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Using a sharp knife or garden spade, gently divide the plant into several sections, making sure that each section has roots and at least two or three healthy shoots. Replant the divisions immediately and keep the soil evenly moist until new growth appears.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is another way to propagate Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock. Collect seeds from the plant in late summer or fall, just before they drop to the ground. Sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a bright, warm spot. Germination usually occurs within 14-21 days. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings are another method of propagating Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock. Choose a healthy leaf and carefully cut it from the plant, making the cut just below the leaf stem. Place the leaf into a small container filled with a growing mix and cover it with plastic to create a mini greenhouse. Keep the soil evenly moist and place the container in a bright, warm spot. After a few weeks, the leaf should develop roots and start to produce a new plantlet. Once the plantlet has grown several leaves, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock
Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. ex Hook. var. glabella (Torr. & Gray) Wheelock, commonly known as the roundleaf alumroot, is a plant species that is native to North America. While the plant is generally hardy and disease-resistant, it can still be affected by pests and diseases that may cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and suggestions on how to manage them."
Diseases
Fungal infections like rust and powdery mildew are one of the most common diseases that can affect the Heuchera cylindrica plant. These infections can cause discoloration of leaves, distortion, and even defoliation. To manage them, ensure good air circulation by planting the plants at reasonable intervals. Also, avoid watering the leaves and water only at the base of the plant to minimize wetting the foliage. A preventive application of fungicides in early spring can also help in the management of these diseases.
Bacterial infections like bacterial leaf spot can also affect this plant. This disease causes small, water-soaked spots on the leaves that eventually turn into large dead areas. Management of bacterial infections requires immediate removal of infected parts to prevent further spread. Also, rotate plants each season, ensuring not to overcrowd to reduce humidity and enable leaf dryness.
Pests
Heuchera cylindrica is also prone to pest infestation by insects such as spider mites, slugs, and snails. Spider mites can be controlled using insecticides or organic pest control solutions like neem oil. Cultivating plants that enhance predator insects can also assist to manage them. Slugs and snails can be managed by handpicking and removing the pests manually, placing barriers like eggshells, copper foil, and sawdust, and using nematodes which infect and kill the slugs and snails.
Cutworms and root weevils can also attack this plant. Cutworms chew on the stems of the plants and can cause significant damage. To control cutworms, remove soil debris from around the plant base and use organic pest control products or insecticides. Root weevils feed on the roots causing stunted growth. Management can be done through the use of beneficial nematodes or applying insecticides when population density is high.
It is important to inspect the plants regularly and take action at the first sign of pests or disease. Applying preventive measures like natural pest control, proper planting, and other cultural practices can help to prevent disease and pest problems before they become severe, ensuring a healthy and robust Heuchera cylindrica plant.
