Overview
Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes is a species of perennial flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is also known by the common names of sticky malvastrum and sticky mallow. The plant is native to California, Arizona, and Baja California.
Appearance
The sticky malvastrum grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The stems of the plant are hairy and sticky, and the leaves are triangular or heart-shaped with rusty hairs on the undersides. The flowers are small and clustered, with pale pink or lavender petals and a yellow center. The plant blooms from April to September.
Uses
In traditional medicine, the sticky malvastrum has been used to treat various ailments such as coughs and sore throats. The plant can also be used to make a tea that is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. The sticky malvastrum is also used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Growth Conditions for Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes
Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes, commonly known as the desert hollyhock, is a drought-tolerant perennial plant that typically grows in arid regions. Here are the typical growth conditions required for this plant:
Light
The desert hollyhock requires full sunlight to thrive, which typically means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It cannot survive in low-light or shaded areas and needs exposure to direct and regular sunlight.
Temperature
The desert hollyhock is adapted to tolerate high temperatures and needs warm weather to grow. The plant can tolerate temperatures between 50-100°F (10-38°C), but ideally, temperatures ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C) are the best for optimal growth. The plant can survive brief periods of frost, but prolonged cold temperatures will harm or kill the plant.
Soil
The desert hollyhock prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or gravelly, fertile, and low in organic matter. The plant can grow in soil pH ranging from 5.5-8.0, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. However, the plant can tolerate alkaline soils with pH above 8.0. It is drought-tolerant, so it requires little water and cannot survive in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods
Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes, commonly known as the Sticky False Mallow, is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It grows well in sunny areas with well-drained soil. The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand heat to a considerable extent. The best time to cultivate this plant is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Watering Needs
Adequate watering is essential to the growth and development of the Sticky False Mallow plant. However, too much water can lead to root rot, and thus, it should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. It is advisable to water the plant deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots. The plant should be watered early in the morning to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum requires a moderate amount of fertilization to thrive. It should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer that contains an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant should be fertilized during the growing season, which is from spring through early fall. Over-fertilization of the plant can lead to excessive growth of foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is another important aspect of caring for Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum. The plant should be pruned regularly to promote healthy growth and remove any diseased or damaged parts. Pruning should be done in the spring or early summer to ensure that the plant grows vigorously. Deadheading can be done to encourage the growth of new flowers.
Propagation of Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes
There are several methods available for propagating Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes. These methods require specific considerations regarding time, effort, and costs that must be taken into account to achieve successful propagation outcomes.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the primary methods for propagating Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes. This method is relatively easy and cost-effective. Seeds should be obtained from reputable suppliers or harvested from mature plants. They need to be stratified for at least 30-60 days at a temperature of around 40-50°F (4-10°C) before sowing.
The best medium for planting seeds is a well-draining soil mix or a peat-based mix with perlite or sand in a ratio of 1:1. Seeds should be sown to a depth of approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) and kept moist. The ideal germination temperature for these seeds is between 65-70°F (18-21°C) and takes around 10-21 days to germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Cutting propagation is another viable method for propagating Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes. It provides faster propagation compared to seed propagation. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season and should be around 4-6 inches (10-15cm) in length. Cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone powder and planted in a rooting medium such as a mixture of perlite and vermiculite.
The cuttings should be kept in a well-lit area and misted regularly to keep the cuttings moist. The rooting temperature should be between 60-65°F (15-18°C), and rooting usually takes around 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be replanted into individual containers.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another option for propagating Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes. This method is effective when the parent plant has grown to a considerable size, and parts can be easily separated. The best time to divide plants is during the spring before active growth begins or in the fall after active growth has ended.
To divide, carefully remove the plant from the pot or ground and gently separate the roots into sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some foliage. These sections can then be planted individually into containers or directly into the ground.
In conclusion, propagating Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum (Abrams) Estes can be achieved through seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation. Choose the propagation method that best suits your needs, taking into consideration the time, effort, and costs involved.
Disease Management
Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum is vulnerable to several diseases, including:
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is important to improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a bacterial or fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves. The spots may be yellow, brown, or black and may merge and form large areas of dead tissue. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It is more common in humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Malvastrum densiflorum S. Wats. var. viscidum is also vulnerable to several pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant. Symptoms include curled leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is important to spray the plant with a jet of water to dislodge them and attract predators like ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny spider-like insects that feed on the sap of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and webbing. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity around the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that suck the sap from the plant. Symptoms include silvery leaves and distorted flowers. To manage thrips, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
