Origin and Common Names
Mentzelia humilis, also known as Low Mentzelia, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Loasaceae. The plant is native to North America and is primarily found in the western regions of the United States and Mexico, particularly in arid and dry habitats.
The plant has several common names, such as Low Blazingstar and Stickleaf, due to its height and unique leaf structure.
General Appearance
The Low Mentzelia plant is an annual herb that grows up to 30 cm tall and 10 cm wide. It has sprawling stems that are covered with short, stiff hairs. The leaves are long and narrow, around 5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, and have a pointed tip. The leaves have small teeth on the edges and are covered with small hairs.
The plant produces bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers that have five petals and are approximately 2 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom from June to August and are typically located at the ends of the stems.
Uses
The Low Mentzelia plant has a few different uses in traditional medicine. The plant has been used to treat bronchitis and other respiratory infections, stomach ailments, and fever. The dried stem and leaves have also been used to make a tea or tincture for various medicinal purposes.
The plant has limited horticultural value due to its short life and tendency to sprawl. However, it can be used in rock gardens or naturalized settings as it can offer bright yellow flowers throughout the summer months.
Light Requirements
Mentzelia humilis is a plant that prefers full sun to grow properly. It can tolerate some partial shade, but it is not recommended to grow it in heavy shade as it may lead to stunted growth and less flowering. Therefore, it is best to place it in an open area where it can receive direct sunlight for several hours each day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Mentzelia humilis is native to the desert regions of the American Southwest. It can tolerate heat and drought conditions, but it also can overwinter in cold temperatures. It can tolerate temperature ranges from 20° to 100°F (-7° to 38°C). However, it is important to avoid frost as it can damage the plant. In cold climates, it is best to keep it indoors or cover it during harsh winter temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Mentzelia humilis can grow in well-draining soil that is sandy, loamy, or rocky. It can tolerate various types of soil, but it prefers a slightly acidic soil with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.2. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients to ensure proper growth and blooming. As it is a desert plant, it does not require constant watering and is drought-tolerant. It is important to not overwater it as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation
Mentzelia humilis (Gray) J. Darl. is a hardy plant that prefers full sun. It requires well-drained, sandy soils that are slightly acidic. The plant is drought tolerant and can survive in harsh conditions.
It is best to plant Mentzelia humilis in the spring or fall. The plant should be transplanted when it is young, as older plants may not adapt well to new soil conditions. When planting, be sure to leave enough space between plants to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Watering Needs
Mentzelia humilis (Gray) J. Darl. prefers dry to moist soils. The roots of the plant should not be allowed to sit in wet soil, as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week, or when the soil has dried out.
During the hot summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering to keep the soil from drying out. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization
It is not necessary to fertilize Mentzelia humilis (Gray) J. Darl. regularly, as the plant is adapted to grow in poor soils. However, if you wish to promote growth or enhance the blooming of the flowers, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid burning the roots.
Pruning
Mentzelia humilis (Gray) J. Darl. requires little pruning, and only dead or damaged growth should be removed. In the spring, you can cut back any stems that did not survive the winter. If the plant is becoming too bushy, you can thin out some of the growth to allow for better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
It is important to prune the plant after the flowering season is over to encourage new growth and better flowering the following year.
Propagation of Mentzelia humilis (Gray) J. Darl.
Mentzelia humilis is propagated through different methods. Below are the propagation methods for the plant:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Mentzelia humilis is through seeds. The plant produces a lot of seeds, which can be collected and sown. Seeds harvested from mature plants should be surface-sown in well-draining soil mixtures. Mentzelia humilis seeds germinate readily when given the right conditions, which includes a well-draining soil, moist environment, and moderate lighting.
It is recommended to sow the seeds indoors, in a warm environment of approximately 65-75°F with bright light. Alternatively, seeds can be sown directly in the garden during the fall season, where the plant will overwinter until the following spring.
Cuttings Propagation
Mentzelia humilis can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the summer season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be approximately four to six inches long, and the leaves on the bottom two-inches should be removed.
The prepared cuttings should then be stuck in a well-drained soil mixture with good aeration, and the soil should be kept moist while providing bright light. After approximately three weeks, the cuttings will begin to root and produce new growth. When roots have formed and new growth is evident, the young plants can be transplanted to a permanent location in the garden.
Division Propagation
Mentzelia humilis can also be propagated through division. This process involves digging up already established plants and dividing them into multiple sections, making sure each section has roots attached. The newly divided plants should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture, then watered and fertilized regularly until the roots take hold and the plants begin to grow vigorously.
Division propagation should be done during the early spring season before the plant begins another growth cycle, and plants should be divided every two to three years to prevent overcrowding.
Disease Management
Mentzelia humilis (Gray) J. Darl. is relatively resistant to diseases, but can still be affected by a few fungal infections. The most common disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew, which appears as white or grayish powdery patches on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage and prevent powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts and keep the plant dry through adequate spacing, proper watering, and good ventilation. Fungicides can also be applied if necessary, but should be used as a last resort.
Another fungal disease that affects Mentzelia humilis is rust, which causes brownish or reddish spots on the leaves and stems, eventually leading to yellowing and defoliation. Like powdery mildew, rust can be managed by removing infected plant parts and maintaining good plant hygiene. Fungicides can also be used to prevent further damage.
Pest Management
Although Mentzelia humilis is not particularly susceptible to pests, some common insect pests may attack it. One of the most common pests is the spider mite, which feeds on the plant's leaves and stems, causing discoloration, curling, and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts, improving air circulation by pruning and spacing plants adequately, and using insecticidal sprays derived from plant oils.
The plant can also be attacked by aphids, which feed on the sap of the plant and cause wilting, yellowing and deformation of leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to remove infected parts, improve plant hygiene, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
