Overview
Nasturtium humifusum Guill. & Perr. is a delicate-looking flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is also known by the common name bushy yellowcress.
Origin
This plant species is native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Portugal, and France. It is also found in other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Appearance
Nasturtium humifusum has a low-growing, trailing, and spreading habit. Its stems are thin and wiry and can grow up to 25 cm long. The leaves are round, small, and grow in pairs along the stem. The flowers are bright yellow, small, and have four petals. They are arranged in loose clusters at the end of the stems.
Uses
The leaves and flowers of Nasturtium humifusum are edible and have a peppery taste. They can be used to add flavor and color to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and urinary tract infections. Additionally, Nasturtium humifusum is used by gardeners as a groundcover or as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or containers due to its attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
Nasturtium humifusum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in low-light conditions, but the plant may not produce flowers as prolifically.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it grows best in mild to warm climates. The optimal temperature range for Nasturtium humifusum is 16-24°C (60-75°F).
Soil Requirements
Nasturtium humifusum grows well in well-draining soils that are sandy or loamy. It can tolerate a range of pH levels, but the ideal range is 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation methods
Nasturtium humifusum Guill. & Perr. is a hardy plant that thrives in full sunlight or partial shade. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings. If growing from seed, sow them directly in the ground in the spring after the last frost. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. If growing from cuttings, take them in the spring or summer. Cut a 6-inch piece of stem from a healthy plant, remove the bottom leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist until roots develop.Watering needs
Nasturtium humifusum Guill. & Perr. needs regular watering to establish deep roots. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Check the soil moisture level before watering.Fertilization
Nasturtium humifusum Guill. & Perr. needs regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Pruning
Nasturtium humifusum Guill. & Perr. does not require extensive pruning. However, deadheading spent flowers regularly can encourage new growth and more blooms. Cut off the entire flower stem to the base of the plant. Prune back the plant in the fall to prepare for winter.Propagation of Nasturtium humifusum Guill. & Perr.
Nasturtium humifusum Guill. & Perr. plants can be propagated through both seed and vegetative propagation methods. The species can also self-seed in favorable conditions.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Nasturtium humifusum plants. The seeds of the plant require light to germinate, and hence, they must be sown on the surface of the soil. The optimal time of seeding is during autumn, spring, or early summer.
The seeds of the plant can be sown directly into the soil or started in containers. The containers should have well-drained soil, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inches. It is essential to maintain moisture throughout the germination process, which takes around 10 to 14 days.
After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted outdoors in the garden or larger pots. Ensure there is adequate spacing between the plants, and they receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Vegetative Propagation
Another way to propagate Nasturtium humifusum plants is through vegetative propagation, which involves taking cuttings from an existing plant and rooting them to produce a new plant. This method is useful when a mature plant starts to get woody or has lost its vigor.
The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, which is usually between spring and summer. Take several 3 to 6-inch-long cuttings from softwood growth, remove the lower leaves, and plant the cuttings in a mixture of moist sand and perlite. Ensure to keep the soil moist and humid to aid in root formation, which should take around four to six weeks.
Once the root system is established, transplant the young plants into individual pots until they are mature enough to be planted outdoors.
Disease Management for Nasturtium humifusum
Nasturtium humifusum is a hardy plant that rarely suffers from significant diseases. However, some diseases may still affect the plant, causing damage to the foliage, flowers, and stems. One of the most common diseases of N. humifusum is powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery patches on the leaves and stems. The disease is caused by various fungal species and can be spread through water, air, and infected plant debris. To manage the disease, the infected parts of the plant should be pruned and removed. Spraying the plant with a mixture of neem oil and water may also control the disease's spread.
Another disease that can affect N. humifusum is downy mildew. Downy mildew manifests as yellow or brown patches on the leaves and white fuzz on the undersides. It is caused by a water-mold fungus and thrives in humid and wet conditions. To control the disease, affected parts of the plant should be removed, and the plant should be kept dry. Gardeners can also apply fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Nasturtium humifusum
Like any other plant, Nasturtium humifusum is a target of various insect pests. The common pests that can cause damage to the plant include aphids, caterpillars, and slugs.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to N. humifusum by feeding on the plant's sap. Infestations are characterized by curled leaves and the presence of sticky honeydew. To control aphids, gardeners can spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden to control the pest.
Caterpillars can also damage N. humifusum by feeding on the foliage. To control caterpillars, gardeners can use biological control methods such as Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacterial pesticide that targets caterpillars. Handpicking and removing the caterpillars can also control the pest.
Slugs are another common pest that feed on N. humifusum leaves and flowers, leaving large holes. To manage slugs, gardeners can place copper tape around the base of the plant, as the copper reacts with the slug's mucus to repel the pest. Another way to control slugs is by laying down a slug barrier made of coffee grounds, eggshells, or diatomaceous earth.
