Overview: Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond.
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond., commonly known as the Watercress, is a perennial aquatic plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. This plant species is native to South Africa and is widely distributed across the country.
Appearance:
The Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is a small, creeping plant with a stem that can grow up to 50 cm in length. Its leaves are oval-shaped and succulent, becoming more deeply lobed towards the base of the plant. The leaves can reach up to 10 cm in length.
The flowers of this plant emerge above the water surface on a thin, elongated stem. The flowers are small, white, and bloom from May to September. The fruit of Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is a pod, up to 2 cm long, that contains numerous small, round seeds.
Uses:
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is an edible plant that has a peppery taste and is used as a culinary herb in salads, soups, sandwiches, and other dishes. The plant is also used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including scurvy, tuberculosis, and liver disorders.
The plant is also popular for its ornamental value in aquariums and water gardens. Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is a favorite among aquarists and gardeners because it is easy to grow and thrives in both shaded and sunny areas.
Common names:
Some of the common names of Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. include:
- Watercress
- River Watercress
- South African Watercress
- Wild Watercress
- Water Rocket
Growth Conditions for Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond.
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is a semi-aquatic plant species native to South Africa. It is commonly known as Watercress or Rivercress, and it thrives in wet environments such as marshes and riverbanks. Here are the typical growth conditions required for this plant:
Light
Watercress requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow. It prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, but it can withstand full sun in cooler climates. Too much sun can cause the plant to wilt, and too little can slow down its growth. Therefore, it is essential to provide the right amount of light for optimal growth.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Watercress growth is between 15°C and 20°C. Although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C, its growth rate slows down significantly at temperatures below 10°C. High temperatures above 24°C can cause the plant to go into a dormant state. Therefore, keeping the temperature within the recommended range is critical for maintaining healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
Watercress prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and its texture should be loamy, well-draining, and moisture-retaining. Watercress can grow in standing water, but it needs nutrient-rich soil to support its growth. Additionally, the water should be pure and free of pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals.
In conclusion, Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is a semi-aquatic plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Adequate sunlight, optimal temperature, and nutrient-rich soil are crucial for maintaining healthy growth. With the right growth conditions provided, Watercress can be an excellent addition to any garden, and it can also be used as a culinary herb or medicinal plant.
Cultivation methods
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate in the garden. It prefers well-draining soil and thrives in sunny locations, although it can tolerate some shade. These plants grow best in climates with cool summers and mild winters.
It is best to sow the seeds directly in the garden in early spring. The seeds should be planted about ½ inch deep and spaced 12 inches apart. These plants can also be propagated through cuttings taken in the late spring or early summer.
Watering needs
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil damp. However, it is essential not to overwater the plants as this can lead to fungal growth and root rot. It is best to water the plants early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation and stress on the plants.
Fertilization
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is not a heavy feeder, and excessive fertilizer can lead to too much leaf growth at the expense of flower production. These plants respond well to organic fertilizers like compost, which can be added to the soil before planting.
A light application of an all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once or twice during the growing season to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients to produce flowers and seed pods.
Pruning
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. does not require much pruning. However, removing spent flowers and seed pods can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Deadheading is also essential for preventing the plant from becoming invasive and self-seeding all over the garden.
Pruning can also be used to shape the plant. These plants can become leggy and benefit from pinching back the stems to promote fuller growth and bushier stems. This should be done in the early spring to encourage new growth and better flowering throughout the season.
Propagation of Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond.
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond., commonly known as watercress, can be propagated using four different methods:
1. Seeds
The most common method of propagation is through seeds, which are readily available in gardening stores. Seeds can be sown indoors or directly in the garden during the spring. Watercress seeds require moisture to germinate, so it’s necessary to make sure that the soil is always moist. It usually takes around 7-10 days for watercress seeds to germinate.
2. Cuttings
Another way to propagate Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the spring when the new growth emerges. Simply cut a 6-inch stem from the plant and remove the lower leaves. Then place the stem in a container with water and wait for the roots to grow. Once the roots have grown, you can plant the cutting in soil.
3. Division
Division is a method of propagation that involves separating the roots of a mature plant and replanting them to create new plants. It’s important to make sure that each section has several new shoots. You can divide Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. This method is suitable for mature plants that have been growing for several years.
4. Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a relatively new method of propagating Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond., which involves taking small pieces of the plant and growing them in a sterile, nutrient-rich medium. This method is useful when it’s necessary to produce a large number of identical plants in a short amount of time. However, this method is not commonly used by home gardeners as it requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Disease and Pest Management for Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond.
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is a plant species that belongs to the family Tropaeolaceae. Like any other plant, this species is also susceptible to disease and pest attacks. In this section, we discuss some common diseases and pests that could affect the plant, and also suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the common diseases that Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. can be affected by is powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease that occurs as a white or gray powder on the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease can cause the leaves to wither, curl, or even drop from the plant. One way to manage this disease is by providing good air circulation to the plant and ensuring that the soil is well-drained. If the disease persists, it is recommended to use fungicides to prevent any further spread.
Another disease that could affect Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is root rot. It is a fungal disease caused by overwatering and poorly drained soils. The disease can cause the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. The best way to prevent this disease is by ensuring that the soil has proper drainage and by avoiding overwatering. If the disease persists, it might be necessary to uproot the plant and replace the soil.
Pests
Nasturtiums are also susceptible to pest attacks, and one of the most common pests that could affect them is the aphid. They are small insects that suck the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth and deformation of the leaves. One way to control the aphids is by using insecticidal soap or oil spray. One can also introduce natural predators of aphids like ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies to control the pest population.
Another pest that could affect Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond. is the snail. They are nocturnal pests that feed on the leaves and can cause serious damage to the plant. One way to control the snail infestation is by using beer traps or copper tapes. One could also introduce natural predators like ground beetles, thrushes and ducks to control the pest population.
In conclusion, Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. ex Sond can be affected by various diseases and pests. However, by providing proper care and management, the plant can be protected from these threats and thus, grow healthy and strong.
