Overview
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is commonly known as the rockcress, mat rockcress or southern rockcress. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
General Appearance
The Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. plant typically grows to a height of 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) and a spread of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). It has deep green, oval-shaped leaves that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and are semi-evergreen. The flowers are small, white or pale pink, and appear in clusters on stalks that rise above the foliage.
Common Names
The Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. plant is commonly known as the rockcress, mat rockcress, or southern rockcress.
Uses
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. is primarily used as an ornamental plant. It is popular in rock gardens, as a groundcover, or in hanging baskets. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and has low water requirements. It is also deer-resistant.
In addition to its ornamental uses, Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. has been used for medicinal purposes. The leaves and flowers of the plant contain mustard glycosides, which have been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has been used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. However, it is important to note that the plant is toxic in large quantities and should not be ingested without proper medical supervision.
Growth Conditions for Nasturtium calycinum Engelm.
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm., commonly known as the Cup-shaped Nasturtium, is a plant species native to North America. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to create specific environmental conditions to ensure proper growth and development.
Light Requirements
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. thrives best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for proper growth. It is advisable to plant them in an area with maximum exposure to sunlight to allow for optimal photosynthesis.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for growing nasturtium calycinum Engelm. ranges from 21-28°C. Temperatures below 20°C can inhibit plant growth. As such, ensure to plant them during the warm months of the year and avoid frost or extremely low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil plays a crucial role in the growth and development of this plant. It requires a well-draining soil that can retain some moisture. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH ranging from 6.0-6.5. Adding organic matter to the soil can also help to improve soil quality and provide the necessary nutrients required for growth.
In conclusion, Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. demands particular growth conditions to achieve optimal growth. To sum them up, it requires full sunlight, a warm temperature ranging from 21-28°C, and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Creating the ideal growth conditions will help to boost the plant's growth and yield healthy flowers and leaves.
Cultivation methods for Nasturtium calycinum Engelm.
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. is a perennial plant that requires planting in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers full sun. It should be planted in an area where it can receive ample sunlight.
The plant should be planted at a depth of 1 inch. If more than one plant is being planted, ensure that they are spaced 12-24 inches apart. The plant does well when mulched with organic matter to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Watering needs for Nasturtium calycinum Engelm.
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. prefers moderate levels of moisture in its soil. It should be watered once a week, up to 1 inch during dry spells, and does not require extra watering during rainy seasons. Ensure that the plant's soil is not constantly wet or waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and other fungal infections.
Fertilization of Nasturtium calycinum Engelm.
The plant requires regular fertilization during its growing season, which is in summer and fall. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers, as they help maintain soil pH, improve soil structure, and promote healthy plant growth. Fertilizers should be applied every two weeks until flowering begins. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal.
Pruning of Nasturtium calycinum Engelm.
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. does not require extensive pruning, but the dying or diseased foliage should be removed to help improve the plant's overall health and appearance. Deadheading, the removal of the spent blooms, is also beneficial to the plant, as it encourages the growth of new flowers. The plant should also be cut back to 3-6 inches above the soil during the fall season to promote new growth in the following spring.
Propagation of Nasturtium calycinum Engelm.
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm., commonly known as Texas Indian Cress, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that bears showy yellow, orange, and red flowers. The plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and prefers moist and well-drained soils.
Propagation by seeds
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. can be propagated by seeds. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil during the spring season. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified or soaked in water for 24 hours to enhance their germination rate. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Keep the soil moist but not wet until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 1 to 2 weeks.
The seedlings should be thinned out once they are about 2 to 3 inches tall. This process can help to ensure that the plants have enough space to grow and develop properly. Furthermore, the excess seedlings can be used for potting or transplantation.
Propagation by cuttings
Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. can also be propagated by cuttings. For this method to be successful, the cuttings should be taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the lower set of leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil and keep them moist. You can cover the cuttings with plastic to create a humid environment that will help the cuttings take root. The cuttings should develop roots in around 2 to 3 weeks. Once the roots have developed, you can remove the plastic covering.
Propagation by cuttings can be a bit tricky, and not all cuttings may take root. Therefore, it is best to take several cuttings at once to increase the chances of success.
Disease and Pest Management for Nasturtium Calycinum Engelm.
Nasturtium Calycinum Engelm. is a lovely and robust plant that requires little maintenance. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management practices are essential to keep the plant healthy and thriving. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Nasturtium Calycinum Engelm. and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and the flowers' surface, resulting in a whitish-gray powdery appearance on the plant's surface. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and pick off infected leaves as soon as you notice them. You can also use fungicides to manage powdery mildew.
Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium Wilt is a destructive fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, stems, and leaves. It turns the leaves yellow and causes them to wilt before finally dying. The disease is prevalent in damp soils. To manage Fusarium Wilt, you should ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. You can also use fungicides to help control the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf Spot is a bacterial disease that causes black or brown spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may also drop prematurely. The disease thrives in moist environments. To manage Leaf Spot, avoid overhead watering and sterilize all garden tools to prevent spreading the bacterial disease. You can also use copper fungicides to help control the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that love the succulent green leaves and the tender young stems of the plant. The pests suck sap from the plant, weakening and distorting the leaves. You can manage Aphids in various ways, including using insecticidal soap or hosing them off with a stream of water. Ladybugs are also natural predators of Aphids, so you can introduce them into your garden to control the pests.
Spider Mites: Spider Mites are small arachnids that suck the plant's sap, causing the leaves to discolor and wilt. Added to this, the plant's silky webbing can also be found in the leaves. You can manage Spider Mites by ensuring that the soil is moist and increasing the plant's humidity. You can also spray the plants with water and use insecticidal soap to control the pests.
Thrips: Thrips are small, winged insects that often infest the flowers. The pests suck on the flowers, causing discoloration and deformation. To manage Thrips, you can use a neem oil-based insecticide or release predatory insects that feed on Thrips. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing the plant because it promotes the growth of insects.
By utilizing these pest and disease management practices, you can keep Nasturtium calycinum Engelm. healthy, allowing it to produce a bountiful harvest of colorful flowers.
