Origin and Common Names:
Lewisia pygmaea (Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. glandulosa (Rydb.) Ferris, commonly known as glandular dwarf lewisia, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Western North America. It is commonly found in the Sierras of California and Nevada.
General Appearance:
The plant grows up to 2 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It has basal rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves that are fleshy and green. The plant also produces a stem that rises from the center of the rosette and is topped with a few small pink to white flowers. The flowers have five petals with yellow stamens in the center.
Uses:
Lewisia pygmaea ssp. glandulosa has no significant commercial or medicinal uses. It is used mainly as an ornamental plant due to its small size and attractive flowers. It is often grown in rock gardens and other dry, well-draining soil environments. It is also used for erosion control due to its low growth habit and tough nature, as well as for re-vegetation of disturbed areas.
Light Requirements
Lewisia pygmaea ssp. glandulosa grows best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and flowers. It is recommended to provide filtered shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in hot summer climates. A lack of adequate light can lead to weak growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to mountainous areas with cool summers and cold winters. Therefore, it prefers cool temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C). In regions with hot summers, it may benefit from afternoon shade to prevent overheating. During the winter, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) if the soil is kept dry.
Soil Requirements
Lewisia pygmaea ssp. glandulosa prefers well-draining, sandy soils with a slightly acidic pH range of 5.5-7.0. It does not tolerate heavy clay soils or standing water, which can cause root rot. An ideal soil mix could be composed of one-third sand, one-third peat moss, and one-third perlite or pumice. Fertilizers should be applied sparingly, as this plant is adapted to nutrient-poor soils in the wild.
Cultivation Methods
Lewisias require well-drained soil and a sunny location. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. If you have clay soil in your garden, add some sand and organic matter to improve drainage. To propagate new plants, you can seed or divide the plants in spring or summer. Avoid disturbing the roots during this process to prevent damage.
Watering Needs
Lewisias prefer moderate watering throughout the growing season, with slightly less during the winter. It's important not to let the soil get too dry or too wet. Watering twice a week is usually sufficient, but can be adjusted based on the weather, soil type, and container size. When watering, it's best to do so at the base of the plant to avoid getting water on the foliage, which can cause rot.
Fertilization
Lewisia pygmaea requires occasional fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. Feed the plants every 6-8 weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause damage to the plant. If you notice any signs of salt buildup (white crust on the soil surface), flush the soil with water to remove excess fertilizer.
Pruning
Prune Lewisia pygmaea after the blooming period to promote healthy growth and maintain the plant's shape. Cut back the stems by about a third to encourage the growth of new stems and foliage. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage the plants to produce more flowers. Pruning can also help prevent the plant from becoming too leggy or flopping over.
Propagation of Lewisia pygmaea (Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. glandulosa (Rydb.) Ferris
Lewisia pygmaea (Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. glandulosa (Rydb.) Ferris is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, particularly in California and Oregon. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Lewisia pygmaea (Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. glandulosa (Rydb.) Ferris is through seed propagation. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground or indoors. It is best to sow seeds in the fall as they require a period of cold stratification before germination. Seeds can be covered lightly with soil, and they should germinate within 2 to 4 weeks.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagation for Lewisia pygmaea (Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. glandulosa (Rydb.) Ferris is division propagation. This method involves dividing the plant's root ball and separating it into smaller sections. This should only be done with mature plants, as young plants may not have a well-developed root system.
To divide the plant, carefully remove it from the ground and gently separate the roots into individual sections. Replant the sections immediately in an area with well-draining soil and water them thoroughly. This method of propagation should be done in the early spring.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Lewisia pygmaea (Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. glandulosa (Rydb.) Ferris. This method involves taking a cutting from the plant and rooting it in soil or water. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Take a cutting from the plant that is at least 3 inches long, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the plant in a shaded area until it has established roots and begins to show new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Lewisia Pygmaea (Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. Glandulosa (Rydb.) Ferris
Lewisias are generally hardy plants, but they are not immune to diseases and pests. As such, it is important to take necessary precautions to prevent problems from arising. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that can afflict Lewisia pygmaea ssp. glandulosa:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is commonly seen on Lewisia pygmaea ssp. glandulosa, especially during periods of prolonged high humidity. It appears as a powdery, white coating on the foliage and can weaken the plant over time. The best way to manage this disease is to ensure good air circulation around the plant by spacing them out adequately and avoiding overhead watering. If the disease does occur, foliar sprays with fungicidal soap can be used to control it.
2. Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause the plant to wilt, appear stunted, and eventually die. Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot. Avoid overwatering and make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent this disease from occurring. If root rot does occur, it is best to remove the plant and destroy it to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and curling. They can be controlled by washing them off with water, purchasing ladybugs or other natural predators, or using insecticidal soap.
2. Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can also cause damage to the Lewisia pygmaea ssp. glandulosa. They feed on the foliage, leaving large holes and can kill the plant if left uncontrolled. Beer traps or copper tape around the base of the plant can be effective in controlling slugs and snails.
By following these tips, you can minimize the impact of disease and pests on Lewisia pygmaea ssp. glandulosa and enjoy a healthy, beautiful plant.
