Origin
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi, commonly known as the Fuzzy-four o'clock, belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. The plant is endemic to North America and can be found in various regions such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Fuzzy-four o'clock due to its hairy leaves and four-petaled flowers, which open in the late afternoon and wither the next morning. Other common names include Velvetleaf four o'clock, Hairy four o'clock, and Sand four o'clock.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal properties and has been traditionally used by various Native American tribes to treat a range of ailments such as headaches, fever, and earaches. Additionally, the plant has been used to treat skin infections and rashes.
The Fuzzy-four o'clock also has ornamental value and is an attractive addition to gardens due to its unique appearance and evening blooms.
General Appearance
The Fuzzy-four o'clock is a herbaceous perennial plant that can reach up to 50 cm in height. The plant has hairy stems and leaves that grow to about 6 cm in length. The hairy leaves are ovate to cordate in shape and have a characteristic gray-green color.
The flowers of the Fuzzy-four o'clock are small and white, with pink or lavender tones. They have four petals that form a funnel shape and bloom in the late afternoon. The plant's fruit is a small, round capsule that contains several seeds.
Light Requirements
The Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi plant typically requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. Placing the plant in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours each day is recommended for optimal growth. If the plant is not receiving adequate amounts of sunlight, it may not bloom and may have stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of the Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi plant is between 70°F to 85°F. Temperatures above 85°F can cause the plant to wilt and dry out, while temperatures below 70°F can cause the plant to become dormant and cease growth. It is important to protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures as it cannot tolerate extreme cold.
Soil Requirements
The Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi plant requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal. The soil should also be kept moist but not waterlogged as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
The Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi plant is commonly known as the "shy plant" because of its unique characteristic of closing its leaves in response to touch or movement. The plant can be grown outdoors in a warm climate or indoors in a pot. For outdoor cultivation, the plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil. If grown indoors, the plant requires bright sunlight and a well-draining potting mix.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. When starting from seeds, it is recommended to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination rates. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants and planted in a moist potting mixture.
Watering Needs
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi plant requires regular watering to keep its soil moist but not soggy. As with many plants, it is essential to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
The water needs of the plant vary depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. During the growing season, typically from spring through fall, the plant may require more frequent watering. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization can promote healthy growth and flowering of the Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi plant. It is recommended to use a balanced, soluble fertilizer, applied monthly during the growing season.
When applying fertilizer, be careful not to overfertilize as it can lead to burning of the plant and negatively impact its growth. It is best to follow the instructions on the product carefully and provide enough water to prevent fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning the Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi plant can help to maintain its size and shape, and promote healthy growth. The plant does not require extensive pruning, but it is recommended to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Additionally, pruning can encourage the plant to produce more flowers and enhance its appearance. It is recommended to prune the plant after flowering or during the dormant season. To prune, use clean, sharp pruning shears and make cuts just above a node or bud.
Propagation of Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi, commonly known as hairyflower umbrellaplant, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. The plant is native to the southeastern United States and is typically found in wetlands, marshes, and coastal plains.
The plant produces small, white to pinkish flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The foliage is green and has a hairy texture, which is where the plant gets its common name. The plant is usually propagated by seed or cuttings.
Propagation by seed
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi can be propagated by seed, which is the easiest and most common method. The seeds can be collected from mature plants when they are dry and mature. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they germinate. The seeds typically germinate within 10-14 days.
The young plants should be transplanted into individual containers once they have developed their second or third set of leaves. The young plants should be kept moist and gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden.
Propagation by cuttings
Mirabilis pudica Barneby var. pubescens Kartesz & Gandhi can also be propagated by cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in early summer from the tips of new growth. The cuttings should be around 4-5 inches long and should be taken from healthy plants.
The lower leaves should be removed from the cutting, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should be then planted in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a warm, bright location. The cutting should be kept moist until it develops roots, which typically takes around three to four weeks.
Once the cutting develops roots, it can be transplanted into individual containers and grown until it is large enough to be planted in the garden.
Disease Management
Mirabilis pudica is generally a hardy plant with no major disease problems. However, it can sometimes be affected by fungal diseases such as wilt, root rot, and leaf spot.
To prevent these diseases, it's important to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and not overwatered. It's also advisable to keep the leaves dry by watering the plant at the base rather than overhead. If fungal diseases are present, it's best to remove the affected parts of the plant and treat it with a fungicide spray.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Mirabilis pudica are spider mites and aphids. Spider mites can cause discoloration and wilting of the leaves, while aphids can cause distortion of the foliage, stunted growth, and the production of sticky honeydew.
To manage these pests, it's advisable to regularly check your plants for signs of infestation. If spider mites or aphids are present, you can use a homemade insecticidal soap spray or a neem oil spray to get rid of them. Alternatively, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population.
