Origin and Common Names
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins is a flowering perennial plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is commonly known as Osterhout's bladderpod and is native to North America, specifically found in the western United States from Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, to Arizona and New Mexico.
General Appearance
The Osterhout's bladderpod grows up to 6 inches tall with basal, hairy leaves. It produces a cluster of bright yellow flowers on upright stems in early spring, which later form distinctive, inflated seedpods. The seedpods are ½ to 1¼ inch long and shaped like a bladder, which is where its common name "bladderpod" comes from. This plant is well adapted to the desert climate and its leaves and stems are hairy to conserve moisture.
Uses
The Osterhout's bladderpod is used for ecological restoration purposes due to its ability to adapt to harsh, arid environments. It is a valuable plant for pollinators, as its bright yellow flowers provide a source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other insects. Although it has no known medicinal uses, some Native American tribes have used the plant spiritually, for example in healing ceremonies, and the seeds of some bladderpods have been used for food.
Light Conditions
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins is a sun-loving plant that requires bright, direct sunlight to grow optimally. It can tolerate some shade, but not for extended amounts of time. The plant will flourish if it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Conditions
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins can survive in a wide range of temperature conditions. However, the plant thrives best in hot, dry environments. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 70°F to 90°F. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, and it will die in prolonged cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or rocky. The plant has adapted to grow in poor and shallow soils, so it does not require frequent fertilization. However, the plant needs a slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It is essential to avoid excessive amounts of moisture since this can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins, commonly known as Osterhout's twinpod, is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. It prefers a warm climate and is best grown in USDA zones 5 to 9.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If growing from seeds, sow them directly into the garden bed, 1/8th inch deep and 10 inches apart, in early spring or fall. Seedlings can be transplanted once they are 2-3 inches tall.
If growing from cuttings, take 3-4 inch long cuttings from the plant in early spring. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist until roots develop.
Watering Needs
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not water-logged. The plant does not tolerate standing water or overly wet soil. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week rather than frequent shallow watering.
During the hot summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering. However, always check the soil before watering as the plant may not need water if the soil is still moist.
Fertilization
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins is a low maintenance plant that does not require much fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer high in phosphorus once a year, in early spring, can be beneficial for flowering.
Avoid using a fertilizer high in nitrogen as it can result in lush vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins does not require much pruning. However, removing spent flowers (deadheading) can promote more blooms and extend the flowering season.
If the plant becomes too leggy or out of shape, prune back one-third of the plant in early spring. Avoid pruning in the fall as it can stimulate new growth that is more susceptible to frost damage.
Propagation of Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins
Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins, commonly known as the Osterhout bladderpod, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Propagation of the plant can be carried out through two methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii is through seed propagation.
Collect mature seed pods of the plant, which usually mature in late spring or early summer. Leave one or two pods on each plant to ensure natural dispersal. Once the pods turn light brown and start to split, use scissors to cut the pods from the plant.
Place the pods in a paper bag and allow them to dry. Open the bag periodically and shake it to release the seeds from the pods.
The seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate. Therefore, place the seeds in a moist paper towel and refrigerate them for about eight weeks before planting.
Sow the seeds in the early spring in a well-drained, sandy, and fertile soil mix. Water the seeds regularly and keep them in a location with full sun exposure. It usually takes about 1-2 months for the seeds to germinate.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation of Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii is generally difficult but may be accomplished with a little care.
The best time to take cuttings is in early summer when the plant is in full growth mode.
Select a healthy stem that is at least two inches long and has not flowered yet. Using a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors, make a cut just below a node, which is the part of the stem where leaves emerge. The cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone to improve its chances of striking roots. Plant the cutting directly into a well-drained, moist soil mix and cover with a plastic bag.
Place the cutting in a warm, bright location and maintain adequate moisture levels. Cuttings should root within six weeks to three months, at which point they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation of Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii (Payson) Rollins can be accomplished through seed or cuttings. Regardless of the method used, quality planting medium and sufficient sunlight and moisture are key to success.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Physaria floribunda Rydb. var. osterhoutii is powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Symptoms include white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead irrigation, and maintain good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate can also be applied.
Another disease that can affect P. floribunda var. osterhoutii is black spot, caused by the fungus Alternaria brassicicola. Symptoms include black or brown spots on the leaves, which can spread and cause defoliation. To manage black spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts, maintain good air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides such as chlorothalonil or copper-based products can also be applied.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that can affect P. floribunda var. osterhoutii is the flea beetle, which feeds on the leaves, causing small holes and skeletonization. To manage flea beetles, use physical barriers such as row covers, attract natural predators such as ground beetles or parasitic wasps, and use insecticides such as spinosad or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect P. floribunda var. osterhoutii is the cabbage looper, a caterpillar that feeds on the leaves, causing irregular holes and defoliation. To manage cabbage loopers, handpick and destroy the caterpillars, use physical barriers such as row covers, and use insecticides such as bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad.
It is important to monitor P. floribunda var. osterhoutii regularly for diseases and pests, and take action promptly to prevent their spread. Cultural practices such as proper irrigation and fertilization can also help to keep the plant healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.
