Overview
Mirabilis glandulosa, also known as glandular four o'clock, is a species of flowering plant in the family Nyctaginaceae. This perennial plant is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as Mexico.
Description
Mirabilis glandulosa is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has a woody, taproot system that allows it to survive in arid conditions. The leaves of this plant are ovate and can vary from light gray to green in color. The flowers of Mirabilis glandulosa bloom from June to September and are pink to lavender in color. The plant is named for its flowers' habit of opening in the late afternoon, approximately four hours before sunset.
Common Names
Mirabilis glandulosa is commonly known as glandular four o'clock, sticky four o'clock, and desert four o'clock.
Uses
Mirabilis glandulosa has been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes. The Navajo used it to treat skin rashes and infections, while the Zuni used it to make a lotion for sunburn. The plant has also been used for its dye properties, with the Zuni using it to dye their wool. Additionally, Mirabilis glandulosa is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful, vibrant flowers and ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions.
Light Requirements
Mirabilis glandulosa is a plant that requires full sunlight to thrive. It is best to plant it in a place where it can receive direct sunlight for most of the day. If you plan to grow it indoors, make sure it has access to a south-facing window where it can receive the necessary amount of sunshine.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Mirabilis glandulosa is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are native to hot and arid regions, so they can tolerate high temperatures. In areas with colder winters, it may be necessary to plant them in a greenhouse or move them indoors during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Mirabilis glandulosa prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. They are adapted to thrive on sandy or rocky soil, but they can also grow well in loamy soil. If you plant them in heavy soil, make sure to improvise drainage by adding organic matter or sand to the soil.
These plants are also relatively drought-tolerant, but they still require consistent watering during their growing season. Once established, they can handle short periods of drought, but it is best to water them regularly to keep the soil moist.
Cultivation of Mirabilis glandulosa
Mirabilis glandulosa is a drought-tolerant plant, but it requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. You can plant it in a pot or directly in the ground, but make sure the soil contains sand, gravel, or perlite for good drainage. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate high temperatures, but it may not survive in frosty conditions.
Watering Needs
Mirabilis glandulosa does not need frequent watering, as it can store water in its succulent leaves. However, you should water it occasionally when the soil completely dries out. The frequency of watering depends on the climate, season, and location. In hot and dry regions, you may need to water it more often, while in humid areas, you can water it less frequently. Overwatering can lead to root rot and damage the plant, so you should avoid it.
Fertilization
Mirabilis glandulosa does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year to promote growth and blooming. Use a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content to avoid excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers. You can also add some compost or organic matter to the soil to improve its nutritional value.
Pruning
Mirabilis glandulosa does not require pruning, but you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Pinch off the faded flowers with your fingers or use pruning shears to cut them just above the foliage. Deadheading prevents the plant from producing seeds and diverts its energy towards flower production. You can also remove any damaged or diseased leaves or stems to maintain the plant's health.
Propagation of Mirabilis glandulosa (Standl.) W.A. Weber
Mirabilis glandulosa (Standl.) W.A. Weber, commonly known as glandular four o'clock, is a native plant to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a drought-tolerant plant that grows in arid and semi-arid regions.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate M. glandulosa is through seed propagation. The plant produces seeds that are contained in a woody, burr-like structure. These burrs can be collected in the fall after they have dried and opened naturally, revealing the seeds inside.
Once collected, the seeds can be sown in pots or directly into the ground. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/4 inch and watered thoroughly. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days.
Cutting Propagation
M. glandulosa can also be propagated through cuttings. This method is more difficult than seed propagation and requires more skill. Cuttings are taken from the plant's stem and placed in a rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in a sandy, well-drained soil mixture and kept in a warm and humid environment. With proper care, the cuttings will root and can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Dividing Propagation
M. glandulosa can be propagated through dividing. This method involves separating the plant's root system into multiple sections, each with its own stem and set of leaves. This method should only be used on mature plants as they have more developed root systems. It is important to be gentle when dividing the plant to avoid damaging the root system. The divided plant sections can then be transplanted into new pots or directly into the ground.
These are the three methods of propagating Mirabilis glandulosa. Seed propagation is the easiest and most reliable method, while cutting and dividing propagation require more skill and experience. Regardless of the method used, M. glandulosa is a resilient plant that can thrive in many different environments.
Disease and Pest Management for Mirabilis Glandulosa (Standl.) W.A. Weber
Mirabilis glandulosa (Standl.) W.A. Weber, also known as glandular umbrellawort, is a flowering herb native to North America. While this plant is generally hardy, it can still be affected by various diseases and pests. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect Mirabilis glandulosa and suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
Fungal leaf spot: This disease can cause brown or blackish spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause premature leaf drop. To manage fungal leaf spot, ensure that the plant is placed in an area with good air circulation and plenty of sunlight. Remove affected leaves promptly and prune any branches or stems that show signs of infection.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It can be caused by a variety of fungal pathogens. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that there is good air circulation around it. Treat infected plants with a commercial fungicide, following the manufacturer's directions carefully.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by various soil-borne pathogens and can lead to the death of the plant. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of leaves, wilting and drooping of stems, and a general decline in the health of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is placed in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already infected, remove it from the soil and dispose of it properly. Disinfect the pot with a commercial disinfectant before replanting.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause damage to the plant by stunting growth and spreading viruses. To prevent aphids, keep the area around the plant free from weeds and regularly wash the leaves with a strong spray of water. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control aphids.
Spider mites: Spider mites are a common pest that can cause the leaves of the plant to yellow and develop a stippled appearance. They can be controlled by keeping the air around the plant moist and by regularly washing the leaves with a strong spray of water. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control spider mites.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems. Handpicking caterpillars off the plant is an effective method of control. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacterial insecticide that can also be used to control caterpillars.
