Origin
Malvastrum spicatum is a plant species endemic to the southern parts of the United States, Mexico, and Central America. It is commonly found in dry, gravelly soils, and rocky areas.
Common Names
Malvastrum spicatum is commonly known as rough false mallow, spikelike mallow, Indian mallow, and desert false mallow.
Appearance
Malvastrum spicatum is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 1-3 feet tall. It has a woody stem with rough, hairy leaves that are 2-5 cm long. The flowers are small and pink or lavender in color, with five petals, and grow in clusters on the stem. The blooms usually appear from May to September.
Uses
The rough false mallow has various medicinal and culinary uses. Native Americans used the plant to treat stomach ailments, inflammation, and pain. The plant also has potential use in the treatment of cancer. In the kitchen, the young leaves of the plant can be eaten raw or cooked and used in salads or soups. The plant is also used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes.
Growth Conditions for Malvastrum spicatum
Light Requirements: Malvastrum spicatum grows best under full sun exposure, although it can tolerate partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, including hot and dry conditions. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C) and does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements: Malvastrum spicatum is not picky about soil type but thrives in well-drained soils with good organic content. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate some drought but grows best in moist soil conditions.
Water Requirements: Although Malvastrum spicatum can tolerate drought, consistent watering is necessary for optimal growth and flowering. It is recommended to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilizer Requirements: Fertilization is not necessary for this plant, but regular application of a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth and flowering. It is recommended to fertilize every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Cultivation methods
The plant Malvastrum spicatum is a hardy plant that is easy to grow in most soil types and is tolerant of various weather conditions. It prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH level. The plant can be grown using either seeds or cuttings.
If using seeds, plant them in a pot or seed bed, and keep them watered regularly until they germinate. It is best to germinate seeds in spring and later transplant them in summer.
For vegetative propagation, take the cuttings from the mature plant and plant them in a suitable potting mix. The cuttings will start to root within a few weeks, and after four to six weeks, they can be transplanted to their growing location.
Watering needs
The plant Malvastrum spicatum requires moderate watering, and care should be taken not to over-water it. In the summer months, it is best to water deeply once a week. In the winter months, the plant requires less watering, and it is recommended to water it only when the topsoil is dry to touch. Always ensure that excess water drains off, as stagnant water can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizer should be applied to Malvastrum spicatum at the beginning of the growing season. The plant responds well to balanced fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Fertilizer can be applied once in six months to help the plant grow well.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Malvastrum spicatum but can be done to control its shape or size. The best time to prune is after the plant has finished flowering. Pruning should be done sparingly, and it is recommended to remove only a quarter of the plant's branches or foliage at any time. This will help the plant stay healthy and bloom profusely.
Propagation of Malvastrum spicatum
Malvastrum spicatum is a drought-tolerant flowering plant that is commonly propagated through two methods, namely, seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common method of propagating Malvastrum spicatum. Collect seeds from the mature plants when the seed pods are dry and brittle. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or into pots that are filled with a well-draining soil mix. In general, it takes about 14 to 21 days for the seeds to germinate.
To sow the seeds, gardeners can follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the soil by adding in compost to improve its fertility.
- Create furrows with a garden trowel that are about 1/4 inches deep in the soil.
- Place two to three seeds into each furrow, and then fill the furrow with soil.
- Water the soil using a watering can or hose until it is damp but not waterlogged.
- Place the pots or seed trays in a sunny location that receives approximately six hours of sunlight per day.
- Keep the soil moist and water the seedlings frequently.
- Thin out the seedlings once they are about an inch tall, leaving only one plant every four inches.
- Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location when they are about four to six inches tall and have developed a strong root system.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a faster method of creating new plants than starting them from seeds. This process is best done in the spring or summer when the plants are actively growing.
To propagate Malvastrum spicatum via cuttings, follow these steps:
- With a sharp and sterilized knife, cut a six-inch-long branch off of the parent plant.
- Strip off the leaves from the lower two inches of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone to help stimulate rooting.
- Fill a pot with a well-draining soil mix, and dampen the soil.
- Making a hole in the soil with your finger, gently place the cutting into the hole.
- Water the cutting thoroughly and cover it with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect that will help to maintain moisture levels.
- Place the pot in a shaded area or under a grow light.
- Mist the cutting daily to keep the leaves hydrated, and remove the plastic bag once roots have developed.
- Transplant the new plant into a larger pot or its permanent location when it has grown to a desired size and has developed a strong root system.
Disease Management
The plant Malvastrum spicatum auct. non (L.) Gray can be affected by various diseases, including:
- Rust: This fungal disease causes rusty-colored spots on leaves and can lead to defoliation. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide.
- Viral diseases: There are different viral diseases that can affect Malvastrum spicatum auct. non (L.) Gray, such as mosaic virus and yellow vein virus, which cause mottling and yellowing of leaves. Control measures include removing and destroying infected plants and avoiding mechanical transmission.
- Root rots: These are caused by various fungal pathogens and can result in stunted growth, wilted leaves, and death. Prevention strategies include planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
Pest Management
Malvastrum spicatum auct. non (L.) Gray is vulnerable to different pests, such as:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can cause leaf curling, distortion, and yellowing. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and webbing. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can feed on leaves and cause defoliation. They can be controlled by picking them off by hand or using a biological insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
