Overview of Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington
Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington, commonly referred to as the Glandular-leaf Pericome, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.
General Appearance of Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington
The Glandular-leaf Pericome is a small shrub that grows up to 4 feet tall. It has a woody stem, green to grayish-green leaves that are gland-dotted, and small, yellow composite flowers that bloom from June to September. The plant has a strong aromatic scent that is often described as pungent.
Common Names of Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington
Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington has several common names, including Glandular-leaf Pericome, Glandular-leaf Thoroughwort, and Glandular Desertdaisy.
Uses of Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington
Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, respiratory problems, and skin inflammation. The plant also has insecticidal properties that are useful in controlling plant pests. Additionally, the Glandular-leaf Pericome is an ornamental plant that is grown in gardens for its attractive flowers and foliage.
Light Requirements
Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade but extended periods of shade can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to warm climates and thrives in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F. It is not frost tolerant and cannot survive freezing temperatures. Temperatures below 50°F can cause severe damage to the plant and result in poor growth and yield.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soils including sandy loam, clay loam, and rocky soils. The soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant is not tolerant of water-logged soils and excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Watering Requirements
Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant is moderately drought tolerant but prolonged periods of drought can cause wilted leaves and poor flowering. Watering should be done deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overhead watering as it can result in fungal diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant requires moderate fertilization to support vigorous growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied during the growing season. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Cultivation of Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa
Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa is an evergreen shrub that is native to the southern United States and Mexico. It thrives in hot and dry climates and requires little maintenance. Here are some tips on cultivating this plant:
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa is very drought tolerant and does not require regular watering. However, you should water the plant deeply once a week during periods of intense heat or prolonged drought.
Fertilization
To ensure the health of your Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa plant, you can apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Typically, you should apply the fertilizer once in the spring and once in the fall. Avoid over-fertilization as it might damage the plant.
Pruning
Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa requires minimal pruning, and only needs to be pruned to shape it or remove dead branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Avoid pruning during the blooming season as it might limit or inhibit the plant's blooming performance.
Propagation of Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington
The Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington can be propagated through different methods.
Seeds Propagation
The most common way to propagate Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington is through seeds. The flowering plant produces seeds that can be collected and dried. Once properly dried, they can be sown in germination trays filled with a good quality seed-starting mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the trays in a warm and bright environment for germination to occur. It is important to note that the germination rate of Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington can be low, and it may take up to 8 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Also, it is recommended to cover the germination tray with plastic until germination occurs.
Vegetative Propagation
Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a mature plant. To ensure successful propagation, select a healthy plant and take cuttings from non-flowering stems. Make sure each cutting is about 3-4 inches long and has at least one leaf node. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with a good quality potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and bright location. After 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should take root, and you can start to gradually move them to more permanent positions.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Pericome Caudata Gray var. Glandulosa (Goodman) Harrington. This method involves digging up a mature plant and dividing it into several smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots attached, and they can be planted in separate pots with good quality potting mix. Water the soil and keep the potted plants in a warm and bright location. After a few weeks, the plants should start to grow roots and can be moved to more permanent positions.
With any propagation method chosen, it is important to avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out between watering. Also, be patient as it may take a few weeks for the new plant to establish and start to grow.
Disease and Pest Management of Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa
Pericome caudata Gray var. glandulosa is generally a hardy plant, but it can still fall victim to several pests and diseases. The following are some common problems and management strategies:
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of brown or black spots on the leaves, which can lead to their premature yellowing, browning, and dropping. Fungal leaf spot can be prevented by planting healthy cuttings and avoiding overhead watering. To manage the disease, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant as a preventative measure.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that infects the roots of the plant, leading to their decay and death. Root rot is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage the disease, improve the drainage of the potting soil and avoid overwatering. You may also need to repot the plant in fresh soil.
Bacterial Soft Rot: This disease causes the plant to rot and wilt rapidly. It's caused by bacteria that infect the plant through wounds or openings. Bacterial soft rot can be prevented by regularly cleaning and sanitizing your gardening tools. To manage the disease, remove the infected portions of the plant and dispose of them. You can also apply a copper-based fungicide to the plant.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These pests are extremely tiny and often appear as tiny red or black dots on the leaves. Spider mites suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to become dry and yellow. You can prevent spider mites by keeping the humidity levels high and regularly misting the plant. To manage the pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: These pests often appear as white, cottony spots on the leaves and stems. Mealybugs suck the sap from the plant, causing its growth to be stunted. You can prevent mealybugs by keeping the plant in a bright location and regularly inspecting for pests. To manage the pest, you can remove the bugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply neem oil to the plant.
Scale Insects: These pests appear as tiny, hard bumps on the leaves and stems. Scale insects suck the sap from the plant, causing it to dry and yellow. You can prevent scale insects by inspecting new plants before bringing them home and regularly inspecting plants for pests. To manage the pests, you can remove the scales with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply a horticulture oil spray.
