Plant Description:
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. is an aquatic or semi-aquatic herbaceous plant that belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. It is often referred to by its common names, which include Short-styled watercress, Watercress, River watercress, and Short-styled Nasturtium. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to a height of 50 cm (20 inches). The plant has trailing stems that can be up to 1 meter long and leaves that are pinnately compound, with three to seven lobed leaflets that are 2-7 cm long.
Origin and Distribution:
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. is native to Southern Africa, including Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It thrives in wetlands, along riverbanks, and in marshy areas. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia.
Uses:
Watercress has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, and are used to treat various ailments like colds, coughs, and even cancer. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory problems, skin conditions, and blood disorders. The plant is also consumed as a vegetable and is used in salads, soups, and sandwiches, and in various other culinary preparations.
General Appearance:
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. is an attractive plant that has a sprawling growth habit. The leaves are bright green and are divided into small leaflets that have a slightly peppery taste. The plant produces showy, small, white or pink fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruit is a silique that is about 2 cm long and contains several seeds. Overall, Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. is an attractive plant that has both ornamental and medicinal value.
Growth Conditions for Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond.
Light requirements: Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. grows best in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. In the wild, it is usually found on the banks of streams and marshes that offer moderate to high levels of light. Therefore, it is recommended to provide 6 – 8 hours of sunlight per day to ensure optimal growth.
Temperature requirements: The plant is adapted to cool temperatures and prefers to grow in a moist, cool environment. Thus, it thrives in temperatures ranging between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius can inhibit the plant's growth and cause it to wilt. During the winter season, the plant can withstand freezing temperatures.
Soil requirements: Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. grows well in a wide range of soils. It prefers the soil to be moist, well-draining and rich in organic matter. Sandy loam soils are ideal for the plant's growth as they are both well-draining and rich in nutrients. It also thrives in slightly acidic to moderately alkaline soils, with pH ranging between 5.5 to 7.5.
Water requirements: Adequate water supply is essential to the growth of Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of waterlogging. In areas with low rainfall, it is recommended to water the plant at least once a week. However, during the rainy season, the plant may not need any additional watering.
Fertilizer requirements: The plant's fast growth rate makes it a heavy feeder. Thus, occasional fertilization is necessary to maintain its vibrant foliage and abundant blooms. Fertilize the soil with a balanced fertilizer, every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. is a semi-aquatic plant that requires moist soil and partial sunlight to grow. It can be cultivated in containers or directly in the ground.
If planting in containers, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Thin out the seedlings to one plant per pot when they reach a height of 2-3 inches.
When planting directly in the ground, choose a site that receives partial sunlight and has well-draining soil. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Thin out the seedlings to one plant per 12 inches when they reach a height of 2-3 inches.
Watering Needs
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
If the plant is grown in a container, ensure that excess water drains away from the pot. Do not let the container sit in standing water, as this can also cause root rot.
Fertilization
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. does not require regular fertilization. However, if the plant is grown in poor soil, an all-purpose fertilizer can be added once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Fertilizers high in nitrogen should be avoided, as they can cause excessive vegetative growth and reduce the number of flowers.
Pruning
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. does not require extensive pruning. However, deadheading the flowers can help encourage more blooms. Pinch back leggy stems to promote bushier growth.
If the plant becomes too large for its location, it can be pruned back in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond.
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond., commonly known as Watercress, can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division. However, the most common and preferred method of propagation is through seeds.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. can be collected from the matured plants during the fall season. The collected seeds can be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until the spring season arrives.
During the spring season, the seeds can be sowed in a seed tray or directly in the ground. A moist and fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH level is the preferred growing medium for Watercress. The seeds should be sowed thinly and not covered with soil, as they require sunlight for germination. Watercress seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days.
It is recommended to keep the newly established plants in a partially shaded area for the first few weeks until they become established. Watercress requires consistent moisture to grow, and the soil should be kept moist throughout the growing season. After 4-6 weeks, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings can be challenging in Watercress, as they do not root easily. However, if propagated successfully, they can result in a genetically identical plant to the parent.
To propagate through this method, take a stem cutting from a matured plant and remove the bottom leaves. The stem cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a potting mix with consistent moisture. The stem cutting should be kept in partial shade and misted frequently to prevent it from drying out. After a few days, roots will start to form and the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagation through division
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. can also be propagated through division, but it is not widely used. To propagate through division, matured plants are lifted from the ground in the fall season and the root clumps are divided into smaller sections. These smaller sections can be planted in prepared soil and watered to develop new plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Nasturtium Fluviatile E.Mey. var. Brevistylum Sond.
Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. is a lovely plant that is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to manage them appropriately. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and management measures that can be taken:
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage and reducing its vigor. They can be managed by using insecticides or natural predators such as ladybugs that feed on them.
Whiteflies: These are tiny insects that infest the undersides of leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. They can be managed by using insecticides or through the introduction of natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving holes and causing damage. They can be managed by manually removing them or using insecticides to control their population.
Diseases
Downy mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and curling of leaves, resulting in stunted growth. It can be managed by using fungicides or through proper sanitation practices such as removing infected plant parts and avoiding overhead watering.
Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and leading to wilting and death. It can be managed by avoiding overwatering, improving soil drainage, and using fungicides to control the fungal population.
Leaf spot: This is a bacterial or fungal disease that causes the appearance of small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant, which eventually turn brown and drop off. It can be managed by using fungicides or removing infected plant parts and practicing proper sanitation to prevent its spread.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases is crucial in ensuring the health and proper growth of Nasturtium fluviatile E.Mey. var. brevistylum Sond. Using proper sanitation practices, introducing natural predators, and using suitable pesticides and fungicides can go a long way in preventing the spread and damage caused by pests and diseases.
