Origin and Common Names:
Monardella follettii is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to California. It is commonly known as Follett's Mountain Pennyroyal and was named after William B. Follett, a botanist who collected the plant in 1933.
Appearance:
Monardella follettii is a small, perennial herb that grows to be about 5-15 cm tall. It has narrow leaves that are about 1 cm long and are a gray-green color. The flowers are a vibrant pink or lavender color and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers bloom from June to August.
Uses:
Monardella follettii has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by indigenous tribes, such as the Karuk and Yurok. They used the plant for treating various ailments such as diarrhea, colds, and headaches. It is a fragrant plant and has been used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief. The plant is also used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements.
Growth Conditions for Monardella follettii
Monardella follettii, also known as Follett's monardella, is a small evergreen plant that is native to California. It typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm and produces attractive pinkish-lavender flowers during spring and summer. In order to grow this plant successfully, it is important to provide it with the right growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Monardella follettii requires bright, indirect sunlight in order to grow properly. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves and flowers. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight for several hours each day.
Temperature Requirements
Monardella follettii is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius) and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). However, it is important to note that the plant may not flower if the temperature is too high. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the plant in a location where the temperature ranges between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27 degrees Celsius).
Soil Requirements
Monardella follettii requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (between 6.0-7.0). It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Cultivation Methods
Monardella follettii, also known as Follett's monardella, is a member of the mint family and is native to the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. It is a small perennial plant that grows up to 30 cm in height and requires well-drained soil with a neutral pH range. Ideally, it should be grown in areas with full sunlight exposure.
If you plan on cultivating Monardella follettii from seeds, it is recommended to propagate them indoors before transplanting them outside. The seeds should be sown in sterile soil and covered lightly with soil. It is important to keep the soil moist but not soaked during the germination process, which takes approximately 10-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown to about 5-6 cm in height, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Watering Needs
Follett's monardella is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still requires a regular watering schedule. During the growing season, it is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. It is important to avoid over-watering because this can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
When watering, it is important to direct the water towards the base of the plant and avoid getting the foliage wet. Wet foliage can promote the growth of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Monardella follettii requires minimal fertilization and is generally low maintenance. It is recommended to add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the spring season to encourage healthy growth.
If you are growing the plant in pots, it may require more frequent fertilization since the nutrients in the soil can become depleted more quickly.
Pruning
Pruning is not always necessary for Monardella follettii, but it can help to promote fuller growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. The best time to prune is during the spring season before the plant starts to flower.
You can cut back the stems to about half their length to promote fuller foliage growth. It is important to avoid cutting into the woody stems because this can damage the plant.
Deadheading spent flowers can also be beneficial to promote new growth and maintain the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Monardella follettii
The propagation of Monardella follettii can be achieved through a variety of methods, including seed germination, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Germination
The most common method of propagating Monardella follettii is through seed germination. The seeds of this plant are small and can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in small pots. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in the spring or early summer, when the soil temperature is warm. For best results, the soil should be well-draining and have a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. The seeds can take up to two weeks to germinate and should be kept moist until they sprout.
Stem Cuttings
Another way to propagate Monardella follettii is through stem cuttings. In mid-summer, take cuttings of the plant's stem, making sure each cutting is at least 3 inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil and keep it moist. In two to three weeks, the cutting should develop roots and new growth.
Division
Monardella follettii can also be propagated through division. In the spring or fall, dig up the plant and carefully divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots attached. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil and water thoroughly. The new sections should establish themselves quickly and start producing new growth within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Monardella follettii is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can occasionally develop some fungal infections such as powdery mildew or rust.
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white powder on the leaves. It occurs in dry and warm conditions. Spraying the plant with a solution of neem oil, water, and a drop of dish soap can help prevent and manage the disease.
Rust, on the other hand, creates small circular spots that change color from yellow to brown, eventually leading to defoliation. It usually thrives in high humidity and cool temperatures. The best management practice is by removing the infected leaves during the early stages of the disease and disposing of them properly. It is also recommended to avoid wetting the leaves while watering to prevent the spread of the spores.
Pest Management
Monardella follettii is often attacked by aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth or deformation of the plant.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl. Spraying a solution of water and insecticidal soap directly on the aphids might help to get rid of them. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings to control the population.
Spider mites are tiny mites that suck the sap from the underside of the leaves, leading to yellowing and eventual loss of leaves. Adequate watering and increasing the humidity around the plant can help to prevent spider mites infestation. If the infestation is severe, consider using a miticide.
Thrips are small winged insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause severe damage by spreading viruses and diseases to the plant. Yellow sticky traps can help detect their presence. Spraying the plant with neem oil, insecticidal soap or introducing predatory mites can help in thrips' management.
