Overview
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. is a beautiful flowering plant. This species is native to South Africa but is now widely cultivated around the world for its ornamental value.
Common Names
Some of the common names of Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. include the following:
- Livingstone daisy
- Bellidiform mesemb
- Bush ice plant
General Appearance
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. is a succulent perennial plant that can reach up to 6 inches in height and spread up to 18 inches in diameter. It has fleshy, green leaves that can grow up to 1.5 inches long. The plant produces lovely, daisy-like flowers that bloom in vivid shades of pink, purple, and white during the summer and fall.
Uses
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. is mainly grown as an ornamental plant because of its striking flowers and unique appearance. It is an ideal plant for rock gardens, borders, and Mediterranean-style landscapes. The plant is also a favorite of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
In some parts of South Africa, the leaves and stems of the plant are used to make a medicinal tea. The tea is said to have a calming effect on the nervous system and can help with anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
Overall, Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. is a beautiful and useful plant that can be a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.Light Requirements
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum var. striatum requires full sun exposure to thrive. It is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. The plant can also survive in partial shade, but the blooms may not be as vibrant in color.
Temperature Requirements
This variety of Mesembryanthemum prefers warm temperatures and can only tolerate cold weather to a certain extent. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but prefers temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
Soil Requirements
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum var. striatum requires well-draining soil as it cannot tolerate standing water. It is best to use a sandy soil mix with good drainage properties. A pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. is a drought-tolerant plant and thrives in well-drained soil. It is recommended to plant this succulent in sandy or gravelly soil. However, you may also add perlite or coarse sand to your potting mix to improve soil drainage.
This plant also grows best in full sun, and it is suitable for outdoor planting in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. If you live in a region with harsh winters, it is advisable to plant Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. in containers so that you can move it indoors when the temperature drops below 20°F (- 6.7°C).
Watering needs
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. has low to moderate watering needs and prefers to dry out between watering. You can water your plant once a week during the growing season, but reduce watering to every other week during the dormant season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill your plant.
It is best to water this plant at the base to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can promote the growth of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. does not require frequent fertilizer application, as it can survive in poor soils. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer once a year can help improve its growth and appearance.
During the growing season, you can also use a cactus or succulent fertilizer at half strength, every two to three months.
Pruning
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. does not require much pruning. However, you may remove any dead or yellowing leaves to improve its aesthetic appeal, and reduce the chance of fungal diseases.
If you notice that your plant is growing leggy or stretching towards the light, it is best to move it to a brighter location to avoid this growth pattern.
Propagation of Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. can be propagated through several methods like seeds, cuttings, and division. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. is by seeds. The advantage of using seeds is that they are readily available, and you can plant them directly into the soil. This method of propagation is best done in the spring or early summer when the soil temperature is warm. It is recommended to sow the seeds in trays and to cover them with a thin layer of soil. Once the seeds have germinated and grown to a reasonable height, they can be transplanted to the desired location.
Propagation by Cuttings
The second method of propagation is through cuttings. Cuttings are taken from mature plants and are then placed in a rooting hormone. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be planted in the desired location. The advantage of this method is that it allows you to produce identical plants that exhibit the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Propagation by Division
The last method of propagation is by division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and then planting them in the desired location. This method is best done in the early spring when the plant is actively growing. It is recommended to use a sharp knife to divide the plant, making sure that each section has a good root system and several stems.
Disease and Pest Management for Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw is known to be a resilient plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common pests and diseases can affect the plant, including:
1. Aphids
Aphids are common pests that may affect Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. They suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and yellow. To manage these pests, you can spray the plant with a solution of water and dish soap. Also, you can introduce ladybugs, which feed on the aphids.
2. Red spider mites
Red spider mites are also a common pest that feeds on Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. They create webs on the leaves of the plant and cause visible yellow or brown spots. Spraying the plant with water regularly can help control the mites by washing them away. You could also introduce predatory mites or lacewings to feed on the red spider mites.
3. Root rot
Root rot can affect Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw especially when the soil is too moist. To avoid root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and the drainage is adequate. In case of an infestation, the affected parts of the plant should be removed, and the soil replaced.
4. Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. It presents as a white powdery film on the leaves of the plant. To manage it, remove the infected leaves, and maintain proper spacing between plants to reduce humidity. You could also apply a fungicide to manage the spread of the disease.
5. Leaf spots
Leaf spots are a bacterial or fungal disease that affects Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw. It presents as circular brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. The infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to protect the healthy ones. Applying a fungicide can also help manage the problem.
Conclusion
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw is a relatively tough plant that resists diseases and pests. However, in case of an infestation, proper measures should be taken. Regularly monitoring the plant's health is also vital for ensuring the health and vitality of Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. striatum Haw.
