Origin and Common Names
Orthilia secunda (L.) House var. obtusata (Turcz.) House, commonly known as One-sided Wintergreen or Serrated Wintergreen, is a herbaceous perennial plant that falls under the family Pyrolaceae. The plant is native to the Arctic regions of Newfoundland, Labrador, and Greenland, and can also be found in Northwest Territories, Quebec, and Alaska.
General Appearance
One-sided Wintergreen is a low-growing plant that grows up to 10 cm tall and spreads through rhizomes. The stems are green or reddish-brown, and the leaves are arranged alternately, measuring 1-3 cm in length and 0.5-1.5 cm in width. The plant has small white or pink bell-shaped flowers that grow above the leaves. The fruits of the plant are red berries that grow in clusters, and each berry contains several seeds.
Uses
One-sided Wintergreen has traditional medicinal uses among the Inuit, who use the plant to treat various ailments such as stomachaches, coughs, and colds. The plant contains arbutin, which is a glycoside that is converted into hydroquinone in the body. Hydroquinone is an antiseptic and has been found to be effective in treating urinary tract infections. In addition, the plant has been found to have antioxidant properties. The berries of the plant are eaten by animals such as birds and bears, and the plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
Orthilia secunda var. obtusata typically thrives in partially shaded areas, especially in areas with dappled sunlight. Full sun can be tolerated, but the soil must remain moist throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers cooler temperatures, around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. In warmer areas, it can be grown in shaded areas to prevent damage from high temperatures and dry soil.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It grows well in soil that is rich in organic matter with high water retention capacity. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, but it should not be waterlogged either as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Orthilia secunda var. obtusata is a hardy plant that can tolerate various types of soils, including acidic and rocky soils. It can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division of the roots. To propagate through seeds, it is essential to collect the berries when they are ripe and separate the seeds from the pulp. These seeds should be sown in a well-aerated soil mixture and kept in a shaded area. Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer, and they should be placed in the well-draining soil mixture.
Watering Needs
The Orthilia secunda var. obtusata plant requires moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. It is essential to water the plant regularly during the growing season to maintain the moisture levels of the soil. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other diseases. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week rather than providing frequent shallow watering.
Fertilization
Orthilia secunda var. obtusata does not require fertilization if grown in a nutrient-rich soil. However, if grown in an infertile soil, it can benefit from the application of a slow-release fertilizer during the early spring. It is crucial to avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can lead to the buildup of salts in the soil, causing damage to the plant roots.
Pruning
Orthilia secunda var. obtusata does not require pruning, but it can benefit from the removal of dead, damaged, or diseased stems. If required, pruning should be done during the late fall or early spring before the new growth emerges. It is essential to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant's healthy tissues.
Propagation of Orthilia secunda var. obtusata
Orthilia secunda var. obtusata, also known as one-sided wintergreen, can be propagated in several ways:
Seed Propagation
One way to propagate Orthilia secunda var. obtusata is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected in late summer or early fall, and then stored in a cool, dry place until planting in the spring. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining, moist seed-starting mix and kept consistently moist until germination occurs. After germination, the young plants should be transplanted into individual containers and grown for one year before transplanting to their permanent location.
Division
Orthilia secunda var. obtusata can also be propagated through division. This method involves splitting the root system of an established plant into several sections and replanting them. Division should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Care should be taken not to damage the roots during the process.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be taken from Orthilia secunda var. obtusata for propagation. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer, while hardwood cuttings should be taken in the fall. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining, moist rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept consistently moist and in a humid environment until roots are established.
Overall, Orthilia secunda var. obtusata can be propagated successfully through any of these three methods, depending on the preferences and abilities of the gardener.
Disease Management
Orthilia secunda (L.) House var. obtusata (Turcz.) House is generally a hardy plant that can resist many diseases. However, when diseases occur, they can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause yellow or brown spots to develop on the plant's leaves. The best way to manage this disease is to prune the infected leaves and destroy them immediately. Avoid watering the plant from above and ensure that there is good air circulation around the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to develop on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, spray the plant with a fungicide that contains copper sulfate. Ensure that the plant is well-watered, and prune any infected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the plant's roots, causing them to rot. To manage this disease, remove the plant from the soil and cut away any infected roots. Then, repot the plant in fresh soil and ensure that it is well-drained.
Pest Management
Orthilia secunda (L.) House var. obtusata (Turcz.) House is susceptible to attacks from pests like spider mites and aphids. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked. Here are some ways to manage pests:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause discoloration and damage on the plant's leaves. To manage these pests, wash the plant's leaves with a gentle soap solution and water. You can also use an insecticidal soap to kill the pests. Ensure that the plant is well-watered and that the air around it is humid, as spider mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage these pests, spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. You can also introduce ladybugs to the plant, as they are natural predators of aphids.
Regular monitoring and good plant hygiene practices are essential in managing diseases and pests. Ensure that you remove any dead or dying leaves, practice good watering habits, and maintain good air circulation around the plant to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
