Origin
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata, commonly known as whorled carpetweed, belongs to the Molluginaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found throughout the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Whorled carpetweed is its most common name; however, it is sometimes referred to as Indian chickweed, green carpetweed, or summer carpetweed.
Uses
Whorled carpetweed is a very adaptable, hardy, and fast-growing plant that is often considered a weed. It can quickly colonize disturbed sites, including agricultural fields, pastures, and waste areas. However, it also has some beneficial uses. The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a diuretic, antipyretic, and detoxifying agent. Additionally, it is edible and has a mild flavor similar to spinach. Some people use it in salads, smoothies, and soups. Whorled carpetweed can also be used as a cover crop to protect and improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and suppress weeds.
General Appearance
Whorled carpetweed is a low-growing annual plant that can reach up to 16 inches in height. Its stems are thin, succulent, and sprawling, forming a dense mat-like groundcover. The leaves are arranged in whorls around the stem, hence its common name. The leaves are oval-shaped, smooth, and light green. The flowers are small and white and bloom from July to October. The fruit is a capsule with many small seeds and splits open when mature.
Light Requirements
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Inadequate light can cause the plant to become spindly and weak, so it's important to give it enough light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can survive in both hot and cold climates. The optimal temperature range for Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata growth is between 20-30°C, but it can still grow in temperatures up to 40°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant, so it's best to provide some protection in colder climates or during cold spells.
Soil Requirements
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata grows in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils that are moist and fertile. The soil should have a pH of 6.0-7.5. Sandy loam soils are ideal for the plant's growth, but it can also adapt to clay soils as long as good drainage is provided. The addition of organic matter such as compost is beneficial in improving soil structure and fertility for the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata is a hardy, low-growing perennial that is relatively easy to cultivate. It can be propagated from seed or from stem cuttings. When starting from seed, it is best to sow them directly in the ground after the last frost. The seedlings should be thinned out to a spacing of about 6 to 12 inches, depending on the size of the mature plant. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Watering Needs
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. It is sensitive to drought and should be watered once or twice a week during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering as it can lead to fungal infections. Instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
Fertilization
Regular feeding is essential for the healthy growth of Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. However, too much fertilizer can encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers, so use only the recommended amount.
Pruning
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata does not require pruning for the most part. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or if you want to shape it a certain way, it can be trimmed back in the early spring or after flowering. Cut back about a third of the overall growth, being sure to make the cuts just above a healthy set of leaves. This will encourage new growth and help maintain the shape of the plant.
Propagation of Mollugo Verticillata L. Var. Verticillata
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata, commonly known as Green Mollies, is a hardy annual plant that can be propagated easily through various methods. It is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.
Propagation Methods
1. Seed Propagation: This is the most common propagation method of Green Mollies. Collect the seeds from the mature plant and sow them directly into the well-prepared soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 2 mm and should be covered with fine soil. Water the seeds regularly to ensure proper germination. The best time for seed sowing is during spring or early summer.
2. Stem-Cutting Propagation: Stem cuttings are another popular method of propagation for Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata. Take a healthy stem cutting from the parent plant, making sure that it has at least two nodes and several leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone to help it root. Plant the cutting in a container filled with a well-draining growing medium and keep it moist. The cutting will start rooting within 2-3 weeks.
3. Root Division: Root division is a simple and effective propagation method for established plants. Dig out an established plant and divide the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem, several leaves, and viable roots. Plant the sections in well-prepared soil, making sure that the roots are covered with soil and water them regularly to prevent drying out.
4. Tissue Culture: Tissue culture is another modern propagation method for Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata. This involves the cloning of a plant using tissue from its stem or leaves. This method is ideal for producing genetically identical plants in large numbers and is usually done in a laboratory setting.
Overall, Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata is a hardy plant that can be propagated easily through various methods. Choose the method that works best for you and enjoy this beautiful plant in your garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata is not prone to many diseases; however, it may get infected by some fungal and viral pathogens. The common diseases that affect the plant are:
- Leaf Spot: It is a fungal disease that occurs due to the presence of water on the leaves for an extended period. The infected leaves have spots that are brown or black in color. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves, and spray fungicides such as copper-based ones, on the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, prune the infected leaves, spray fungicides such as sulfur-based ones, and maintain proper airflow and humidity levels in the surrounding.
- Mosaic Virus: It is a viral disease that causes yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and mosaic-like patterns on the leaves. There is no cure for this disease. Hence, remove the infected plant and take preventive measures such as using virus-free seeds.
Pest Management
Mollugo verticillata L. var. verticillata is mostly pest-free. However, some pests may cause damage to the plant, and it is essential to manage them. The common pests that affect the plant are:
- Aphids: They are sap-sucking pests that cause curling of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage them, prune the infected leaves, and spray insecticides such as neem-based ones.
- Caterpillars: They are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves. To manage them, remove the infected leaves, and use natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps.
- Spider Mites: They are tiny pests that cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage them, prune the infected leaves, and spray the plant with water to remove the pests. Additionally, maintain proper humidity levels in the surrounding to prevent further infestation.
