Origin
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston is a plant native to North America, particularly found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Megalanthus blazingstar and megalantha stick-leaf.
Uses
The plant has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes in Native American cultures. The roots and leaves have been made into infusions, which were then used to treat various ailments like the common cold and infections. The seeds of the plant were also ground into meal, which was used for food. Today, Megalanthus blazingstar is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston are biennial or perennial plants that can grow up to 120 cm tall. The plant has bright yellow flowers that bloom from May to August. The petals of the flowers are delicate and papery, and they surround a central disc that is covered in rows of stamen. The leaves of the plant are oval-shaped with serrated edges and grow up to 15 cm long. The stem of the plant is rough to touch due to its hairy texture and is green in color.
Light Requirements
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha is a plant that grows well in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. Lack of adequate sunlight can lead to stunted growth or pale foliage. In areas with harsh sun, it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest hours of the day to protect the plant from damage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in warm to hot climates. The ideal temperature range for Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha to grow is between 70°F and 90°F. It is relatively tolerant of temperature fluctuations, but sudden changes in temperature can harm the plant. Frost can be detrimental to the plant, so it should be grown in areas where the temperature does not drop below 32°F.
Soil Requirements
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. This plant species is also highly tolerant of drought and can grow in dry soil conditions. It is, however, recommended to water the plant regularly to encourage healthy growth.
Cultivation
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in sunny and dry regions. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.2. The plant needs to be placed in an area with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
As a drought-tolerant plant, watering Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston should be done moderately. It can go for weeks without water, but it is best to water it when the soil is dry to a depth of 1-2 inches. Waterlogging should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston does not need much fertilization. Adding a slow-release fertilizer that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen once a year during the growing season can be beneficial to the plant's growth.
Pruning
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston does not require much pruning, but it can be done to shape the plant or remove dead or diseased branches. It is best to prune in the spring before the plant's growing season starts.
Propagation of Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston, commonly known as giant blazingstar, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Loasaceae. It is native to North America and can be found mostly in the southwestern United States.
The plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Seeds of Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston can be collected from the matured seed pods in late summer or early fall. The seeds can be directly sown in the garden bed or started indoors in a pot.
For direct sowing, choose a sunny and well-drained spot in the garden bed. Sow the seeds in the soil about 1/4 inch deep and water well. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
For starting indoors, sow the seeds in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil and cover the pot with a plastic wrap to provide humidity. Place the pot in a warm and brightly lit spot. Remove the plastic wrap once the seedlings emerge, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings establish.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Select a healthy and non-flowering stem and cut a 4-6 inch long section. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
Dip the end of the stem in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil and cover the pot with a plastic wrap to provide humidity. Place the pot in a warm and brightly lit spot. Remove the plastic wrap once the cutting roots and new growth starts to emerge. Transplant the cutting into a larger pot or in the garden bed.
Propagation of Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha I.M. Johnston is relatively easy, and the plant can re-seed itself under favorable conditions. However, care should be taken to avoid overwatering the plant, as it can be sensitive to root rot.
Disease Management
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha is a plant that can be susceptible to various diseases. One of the most common diseases that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. Symptoms of powdery mildew include the appearance of white or gray powdery spots on leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
To manage powdery mildew, it's important to ensure that the plant is grown in an area with good air circulation. Providing good air movement around the plant will help to prevent the moisture buildup that can contribute to the development of powdery mildew. Additionally, use of fungicides can be effective in managing powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect this plant is anthracnose. Symptoms of anthracnose include the appearance of small, dark-colored lesions on leaves and stems, which can eventually lead to the development of dead spots on the plant.
To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove any diseased plant material from the area around the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, use of fungicides can be effective in managing anthracnose.
Pest Management
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha is a plant that can also be susceptible to various pests, including spider mites and aphids.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the moisture out of the plant, causing leaves to become discolored and distorted. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and take action as soon as any signs of infestation are noticed. This can include using natural predators, such as ladybugs, or using insecticidal soaps.
Aphids are another common pest that can affect this plant. Aphids are often found on the underside of leaves and can cause leaves to become distorted or yellowed. To manage aphids, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any infested leaves or stems. Additionally, use of insecticidal soaps or natural predators can be effective in managing aphids.
By taking proactive steps to manage both diseases and pests, it is possible to keep Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. megalantha healthy and thriving.
