General Description
Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria is commonly known as Round-leaved Fluellen, Round-leaved Kickxia, or Large Snapdragon. It is a herbaceous annual plant, belonging to the family Plantaginaceae.
Origin
Kickxia spuria is native to Europe, but it has been introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It grows in waste places, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 60 centimeters tall from a taproot. Its stems are thin, green, and upright, with short branches emerging from the axils of the leaves. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate to rounded in shape, with toothed margins. They are gray-green in color and have prominent veins. The flowers are produced in the leaf axils, each on a pedicel, and are 8 to 16 mm long. The corolla is yellow, shaped like a funnel, and with five lobes, the upper lobe being slightly larger than the others. The fruit is a capsule that splits to release many small seeds.
Uses
Kickxia spuria is not commonly used for any specific purpose. However, the plant is grown as an ornamental plant and can be used in wildflower gardens, meadows, and along roadsides. The seeds and leaves of some species of Kickxia are edible, and may have some medicinal properties; however, there is no recorded use for the Kickxia spuria species specifically.
Light Requirements
Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria typically grows well in partial shaded areas. Moderate levels of direct sunlight can also be tolerated but too much direct sunlight may be harmful to this plant. It can also grow in full shade conditions but may take longer to mature.
Temperature Requirements
Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria grows best in mild to cool temperatures. It can tolerate frost and temperatures as low as -15°C. However, high temperatures can hinder the growth of this plant. Optimal temperatures for growth range between 15°C to 25°C.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria is well-drained loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also grow reasonably well in sandy soils, although it would require more frequent watering. This plant prefers a soil pH range between 6 - 7.5, but can tolerate slightly acidic soil with a pH below 6.
It is suitable to add organic manure to the soil before sowing. This helps improve the moisture retention capacity and nutrient availability while reducing the soil's density. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as ammonium sulphate, urea, and ammonium nitrate are beneficial for the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria is a relatively easy plant to grow. It can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or directly in the soil. The preferred soil for this plant is well-draining and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, but a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is optimal for growth.
Plant the seeds of Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria in an area with full sunlight or partial shade. This plant can tolerate some shade, but full sunlight is preferred for optimal growth. Water the seeds regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist throughout the germination stage.
Watering Needs
Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria requires moderate watering to thrive. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot disease, which can kill the plant. Water the plant once a week during the growing season. Regularly check the soil and water whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant will enter a period of dormancy.
Fertilization
Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria should be fertilized regularly to promote optimal growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once every month during the growing season, reducing the frequency during the winter months. Do not over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is an important part of caring for Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria. Prune the plant regularly to remove dead or damaged stems, as well as any old flowers and leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and promote more blooms. Pruning is best done in the spring and fall, as the plant will be actively growing during these seasons.
Propagation of Kickxia spuria subsp. spuria
Kickxia spuria subsp. spuria is a low-growing, hardy plant that can be easily propagated by various methods. The following are some common ways to propagate this plant:
Propagation by Seed
Seeds are the easiest and most common way to propagate Kickxia spuria subsp. spuria. The plant produces plenty of small, black seeds in the summer, which can be collected and stored for sowing in the spring. The seeds must be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another way to propagate this plant is through stem cuttings. Take a 3-4 inch long cutting from a healthy plant, remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, and plant the cutting up to the first leaf node in a moist soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright area, and roots should form within a few weeks.
Propagation by Division
Kickxia spuria subsp. spuria can also be propagated by division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is best done in the spring or fall, when the plant is not actively growing. Dig up the entire plant and carefully divide the root ball into smaller sections, each with some stem attached. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and keep them well-watered until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Kickxia spuria (L.) Dumort. subsp. spuria
Kickxia spuria, also known as False Wall Speedwell, is a species of annual plant that belongs to the plant family Plantaginaceae. While these plants are generally easy to grow and maintain, they are still susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can cause damage or even death to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Kickxia spuria and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or grey powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides are also available to treat the disease.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot appears as circular or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves of the plant. The cause is typically a fungal infection. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper sanitation by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides may help manage the disease, but prevention is ideal.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids on Kickxia spuria, it is important to attract natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to the garden. Additionally, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control aphids.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are also small insects that can be difficult to see with the naked eye. They typically appear as white or yellow spots on the leaves and cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity around the plant and avoid over-fertilizing. Insecticidal soap or neem oil are also effective in controlling spider mites on Kickxia spuria.
By being vigilant and addressing any issues as soon as they arise, it is possible to keep Kickxia spuria healthy and thriving in your garden.
