Origin
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis (Greene) A.L. Grant, commonly known as arve valley monkeyflower, is a plant species that originated from North America. It is commonly found in open, moist areas such as meadows, streambanks, and wetlands. It is a member of the Phrymaceae family, which includes plants such as lopseed and turtlehead.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names including arve valley monkeyflower, seep monkeyflower, and yellow monkeyflower. The name "monkeyflower" comes from the shape of the flower, which resembles a monkey's face.
Uses
The arve valley monkeyflower has several medicinal and ecological uses. Indigenous peoples have used this plant as a traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments, skin disorders, and digestive issues. It is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it useful in treating wounds and reducing inflammation.
Ecologically, the arve valley monkeyflower is an important plant for wetland habitats. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which help in the growth and reproduction of other plants in the habitat. It is also used for erosion control and soil stabilization in wetland environments.
General Appearance
The arve valley monkeyflower is a perennial herb that grows up to 3 feet tall. It has an erect stem that is reddish-green in color and bears bright yellow flowers. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical, with a petal-like lip that is spotted with red or maroon markings. The leaves are long and narrow, with a slightly serrated edge and a dark green color.
The plant prefers moist soils and full sun to partial shade. It blooms from May to September and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. It is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance and is suitable for planting in wetlands or garden ponds.
Light Requirements
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis typically grows best in areas with plenty of sunlight. This plant requires some shade to protect against intense sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, but overall it does best in areas with abundant light. In general, it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, it is best to find a spot that receives ample natural light or supplement with artificial light sources as needed.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is generally suited to temperate climates with moderate temperatures. It can tolerate some colder temperatures, but is not suited to extremely cold conditions. Ideal daytime temperatures range from around 60°F to 85°F (15.5°C to 29.4°C), with nighttime temperatures typically dropping about 10-15°F below the daytime levels. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) for an extended period, growth can be stunted. In areas with very hot summers, some partial afternoon shade may be beneficial to protect the plant from the hottest sun exposure.
Soil Requirements
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis typically does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, but it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, especially if grown in containers or less fertile soil. It is important to avoid soil that is waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Cultivation Methods for Mimulus Guttatus DC. var. Arvensis
The ideal way to cultivate Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis is to start the seed inside in March or outdoors in the fall or spring. The plant prefers moist and sandy soils with good drainage and can grow well in shady and sunny areas. The seeds should be spread on top of the soil and barely covered with soil after sowing. The seeds should germinate within 14-21 days.
Watering Needs for Mimulus Guttatus DC. var. Arvensis
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis is a water-loving plant and thrives in moist soil with good drainage. Water the plant weekly, but do not let the soil become waterlogged, as this could lead to root rot. Also, ensure that the soil stays consistently damp by adding a water source, if necessary, ensuring that the plant does not dry out, which would cause the flowers to fall off.
Fertilization Requirements for Mimulus Guttatus DC. var. Arvensis
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis is a moderately heavy feeder and requires a balanced fertilizer. Fertilize the plant once per month with a water-soluble 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 fertilizer in the growing season. However, avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this could burn the foliage and initiate excessive growth.
Pruning for Mimulus Guttatus DC. var. Arvensis
To keep the plant neat and compact, prune the plant after flowering. Cut the stems that have already bloomed back to the foliage by removing the top third of the stem. Also, deadhead the plant regularly by removing spent blossoms to prolong blooming and prevent the plant from self-seeding. Pruning the plant regularly will encourage vigorous growth and provide more flowers.
Propagation of Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis (Greene) A.L. Grant
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis (Greene) A.L. Grant, also known as the common monkeyflower, can be propagated through various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis (Greene) A.L. Grant is through seeds. The seeds of the plant can be collected from mature seed pods, which are typically found in late summer or early fall. Once collected, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil in late fall or early spring. The seeds need to be placed no more than 1/16 inch deep in the soil and kept moist until germination, which may take around 10-14 days.
Division
Another method of propagation for Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis (Greene) A.L. Grant is through division. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller sections and planting them separately. Division is typically done in the spring when new growth appears. The plant should be lifted from the ground and carefully divided into sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. These sections can then be replanted into prepared soil, watered lightly, and given time to establish roots in their new location.
Cuttings
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis (Greene) A.L. Grant can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy stem that is around 4-6 inches in length and stripped of its lower leaves. The cutting should then be placed in a rooting hormone and planted in a soilless mix. It should be watered lightly and covered to maintain humidity until the roots develop, which may take around four to six weeks.
Overall, Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis (Greene) A.L. Grant can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, division, and cuttings. Each method has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to select the best method based on individual circumstances.
Disease Management
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply fungicides according to instructions.
- Bacterial leaf spot: a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked spots on leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply copper or streptomycin spray according to instructions.
- Root rot: a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. To manage this disease, improve soil drainage, remove and destroy infected plants, and apply fungicides according to instructions.
Pest Management
Mimulus guttatus DC. var. arvensis is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil according to instructions.
- Cutworms: caterpillars that cut through the stems of young seedlings, causing the plants to die. To manage cutworms, handpick and destroy them, and apply insecticides containing carbaryl or permethrin according to instructions.
- Spider mites: tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing. To manage spider mites, increase humidity levels, prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and apply insecticides containing imidacloprid or abamectin according to instructions.
