Overview:
Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. It is commonly known as the sticky nemesia, wild nemesia or sour fig. This plant is native to South Africa and is widely distributed in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions.
Appearance:
The sticky nemesia is a sticky, aromatic herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. The plant has thick, succulent leaves that are ovate to elliptical in shape, measuring up to 3 cm long and 2 cm wide. The leaves are greyish-green in color and grow opposite each other along the stems. The plant produces a profusion of tubular, five-petalled flowers that are clustered at the tips of the stems. The flowers range in color from white, cream, pink, lilac, purple, and mauve, and have a sweet, honey-like scent.
Uses:
The sticky nemesia has a long history of therapeutic uses. It is traditionally used by indigenous people to treat diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The herb is also believed to be a natural sedative and anxiolytic, and is used to calm nervous tension and promote relaxation. In addition, the plant has been used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Nowadays, sticky nemesia is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant and is commonly used in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
In conclusion, Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth is a sticky, aromatic herbaceous plant that is native to South Africa. It has thick, succulent leaves and produces tubular, five-petalled flowers ranging in color from white, cream, pink, lilac, purple, and mauve. It has a long history of therapeutic uses and is traditionally used to treat diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, and promote relaxation.Light Requirements
Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. is a sun-loving plant that thrives in bright light conditions. Full sunlight exposure, at least 6-8 hours per day, is necessary for optimal growth and flower production. However, in hot climates, some partial shade during the hottest parts of the day would be beneficial.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperature conditions ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 75°F (24°C). Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. can tolerate cooler temperatures but does not do well in extreme cold or hot temperatures. Maintaining a consistent temperature within the optimal range is vital for its healthy growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The plant is adaptable to different soil types. However, to achieve the best results, Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. requires well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.8. This plant can grow in sandy, clay, or loam soils, as long as the soil is fertile and rich in organic matter. It is essential to ensure that the soil does not get waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and plant death.
Cultivation methods
Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. is a hardy annual plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It is best grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is advisable to grow Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. in a sheltered spot to avoid wind damage.
Watering needs
Watering Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. depends on the local climate and soil type. However, the plant requires consistent moisture to sustain healthy growth. It is best to water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out before subsequent watering. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases that adversely affect the plant's growth and development.
Fertilization
Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and vibrant flowering. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer, especially during the blooming season. Avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen as they stimulate foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Instead, use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to promote flower production.
Pruning
Pruning Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. is essential to maintain its compact growth and promote continued blooming. Deadhead the plant by removing spent blooms to encourage the growth of new flowers. Prune back any leggy or overgrown stems to maintain a tidy and compact plant. Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. can tolerate hard pruning, and it's advisable to prune it in early spring to promote vigorous growth and flowering in the coming season.
Propagation of Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth.
Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is often grown in gardens and outdoor spaces. Propagation is an essential aspect of cultivating this plant. There are different methods of propagating Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. that include:
1. Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way of propagating Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. is through seed propagation. Collect fresh seeds from the mature plants and sow them in a well-drained potting mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite and kept moist until germination, which usually takes up to 14-21 days.
2. Stem Cuttings
Another way to propagate Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. is by taking stem cuttings from mature plants. Select a healthy stem and cut it just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a potting mix and keep it moist until rooting occurs, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once new growth appears, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger container or garden bed.
3. Division
Dividing older Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. plants is another way of propagating this plant. Lift the plant from the soil and remove the excess soil from the roots. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with some roots, and plant them in a potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and allow the plants to settle in before replanting in the garden bed.
By using one or more of these propagation methods, gardeners can multiply their Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. plants, making it easier to create attractive garden displays or indoor plantings.
Disease Management
Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. is a plant that is highly susceptible to various diseases which can cause huge amounts of damage. Some of the most common diseases that can affect this plant include powdery mildew, botrytis, and root rot.
Powdery mildew usually manifests as a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to use fungicides and to avoid watering the leaves of the plant.
Botrytis is a fungal disease that can cause gray mold on the plant’s foliage, flowers, and buds. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove any affected plant parts, increase air circulation, and reduce humidity levels.
Root rot is a disease that attacks the roots of the plant, and it is caused by improper watering and soil drainage. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure proper watering and drainage. If the disease has already set in, the plant should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Nemesia viscosa E.Mey. ex Benth. can also be attacked by various pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Aphids are tiny green or black insects that suck sap from the plant’s leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. To manage these pests, it is recommended to use insecticides or to introduce beneficial insects that feed on aphids such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Whiteflies are small winged insects that feed on the underside of the plant’s leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To control these pests, it is recommended to use sticky traps or insecticides.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that are often found on the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to use insecticides or to wash the plant thoroughly with water.
