Navarretia Viscidula Benth. ssp. Viscidula
Navarretia Viscidula Benth. ssp. Viscidula is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family, Polemoniaceae. It is native to the Western United States, including California, Nevada, and Arizona, where it grows in open, rocky areas.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as sticky navarretia or sticky Indian pinks due to its sticky, glandular hairs which cover the stems and leaves.
Appearance
Navarretia viscidula is a small annual herb that grows up to 8-28 cm tall. It has narrow and linear leaves that are around 2-10 cm long and 0.5 mm wide. The plant produces clusters of beautiful small flowers that are about 0.5-1 cm wide. The flowers are bright pink to purple with a white or yellow center and bloom from May to June.
Uses
Navarretia Viscidula Benth. ssp. Viscidula is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, it is useful for erosion control and is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or wildflower meadows due to its attractive purple flowers.
Light Requirements
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not grow as vigorously.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a cool summer climate with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F. It is generally tolerant of cold temperatures and can withstand winter temperatures as low as 20°F.
Soil Requirements
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula prefers well-drained soils with low to moderate fertility. It grows best in gravelly or sandy soils with a pH between 6.5-7.5. It can also tolerate clay soils as long as they are well-drained.
Additionally, the plant has a low tolerance for soils with high levels of nutrients and does not perform well in soils with high salinity levels.
Cultivation of Navarretia Viscidula Benth. ssp. Viscidula
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula is a delicate plant that requires careful cultivation. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse or under a plastic cover. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer.
Watering Needs of Navarretia Viscidula Benth. ssp. Viscidula
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soils. Water the plant deeply once a week or as needed to keep the soil evenly moist.
Fertilization of Navarretia Viscidula Benth. ssp. Viscidula
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula responds well to regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and midsummer. You can also apply a slow-release fertilizer every three months to provide a steady supply of nutrients to the plant.
Pruning of Navarretia Viscidula Benth. ssp. Viscidula
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula does not require pruning, but you can prune the plant lightly after it has finished flowering. Pruning can help to promote bushier growth and encourage more blooms. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make cuts just above a leaf node or bud.
Propagation of Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula has several propagation methods that can be used to propagate the plant. The most common propagation methods include:
Seed Propagation
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula can be propagated from seeds, which are readily available from plant nurseries and seed banks. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and stored in a cool, dry place until ready to be sown. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix that is moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which can take several weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be gradually acclimated to sunlight and can be transplanted outdoors in the spring.
Division Propagation
Dividing mature Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula plants is another propagation method that can be used. This method works best with more established plants that have developed a root system. The plant should be dug up and gently separated from the soil. The roots should be carefully separated from each other, and the plant can then be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few leaves. The sections can be replanted in well-draining soil mix and kept moist until established.
Cutting Propagation
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula can also be propagated from stem cuttings. This method requires taking stem cuttings from a mature plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone or a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be approximately 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be planted in a soil mix and kept moist until they develop roots. Once the new plant has developed a root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoors in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula is generally resistant to many diseases, but there are still a few that can affect it. Here are the most common diseases that can affect Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease usually shows up as brown or black spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may eventually turn yellow or drop from the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white or grayish powder on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to wilt and die. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate air circulation around the plant.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It can cause the plant to become stunted, wilted, and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Pest Management
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula is also generally resistant to pests, but there are still a few that can affect it. Here are the most common pests that can affect Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. viscidula:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. This can cause the leaves to curl and can lead to stunted growth. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that can cut the stems of young plants. To manage cutworms, use biological control methods such as Bacillus thuringiensis or handpick them off the plant.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause stippling on the leaves of the plant. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and provide adequate humidity around the plant.
