Origin
Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb. belongs to the family of Pontederiaceae, which is native to North and South America. It is commonly found along the edges of ponds, rivers, and wetlands in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Pickerelweed or Pickerel Rush, referring to the sharp-toothed, pike-like leaves and its habitat preference for shallow waters where pickerel fish are commonly found. Other common names include Heartleaf Pickerelweed and Arrowhead.
Uses
Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata has both ornamental and medicinal uses. Its beautiful blue-violet flowers make it a popular addition to water gardens as well as for erosion control purposes. The plant is also known to attract a variety of insects and wildlife such as butterflies, honey bees, and several species of birds.
On the medicinal front, several Native American tribes have used different parts of this plant to cure various ailments such as snakebites, inflammation, and infection. The plant extracts are also utilized to relieve headaches, coughs, and even respiratory congestion.
General Appearance
Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata is a rhizomatous perennial herb which grows up to 2-4 feet tall with multiple unbranched stems emerging from a single point. The leaves are lance-shaped with a heart-shaped base measuring approximately 5-10 inches in length and 1-3 inches in width. Each stem bears a dense spike of blue-violet flowers which bloom in the summer months. Each flower is 3-4 inches in size and comprises of six petals arranged in a whorled fashion. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.
Light Requirements:
Pontederia cordata var. lanceolata requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may limit its growth and flowering. In low light conditions, the plant may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant grows in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It can also tolerate colder temperatures down to 0°C (32°F), but growth may slow down significantly during the colder months.
Soil Requirements:
Pontederia cordata var. lanceolata grows well in moist to wet soils and can tolerate some flooding. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. It can also grow in clay soils, but it may be less successful in sandy soils. Good soil drainage is essential to avoid water stagnation and root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Pontederia Cordata L. var. Lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb.
Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb., commonly known as Pickeral weed, is a beautiful aquatic plant that is easy to grow and care for. It grows best in shallow water and can be grown in ponds, lakes, and other aquatic environments. Here are the cultivation methods for this plant:
- Choose a suitable site: Pickeral weed thrives in full sunlight and mildly acidic to neutral water pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Prepare the site: Before planting, remove any debris or vegetation and loosen the soil at the bottom of the water body. It would be helpful if you did not use fertilizer or manure when planting the Pickeral weed.
- Plant the Pickeral weed: Plant each root ball 24 to 36 inches apart and 12 inches deep into the soil. Cover the rhizomes with soil, and they will grow on their own.
- Monitor the plant: Always keep an eye on the plant, regular monitoring, and immediate action when necessary can help the plant grow better and more robust.
Watering Needs for Pontederia Cordata L. var. Lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb.
Watering the Pickeral plant is essential to keep it healthy and lush throughout the year. Because the plant is aquatic, it gets its needed water supply from the water in which it is planted. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding the watering needs of the plant:
- Keep the water level consistent: It is essential to maintain a constant water level, preferably around 1-2 feet deep. During the dry season, water level maintenance is crucial, as insufficient water levels could starve the plant of necessary nutrients.
- Ensure the roots are in water at all times: The roots of the Pickeral weed must remain submerged in water at all times. This is because it is an aquatic plant, and its roots absorb nutrients from the water.
- Regularly check the water levels: Regularly check the water levels to ensure that they remain constant. Inadequate water levels or inconsistent water availability could harm the Pickeral weed plant.
Fertilization for Pontederia Cordata L. var. Lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb.
While not necessary, fertilizing the Pickeral weed plant can greatly improve its growth and overall health. It is important to note that over-fertilization could harm the plant, and a lack of fertilization will limit its potential. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding fertilization:
- Apply fertilizer during the growing season: Apply a balanced aquatic fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, between late spring and early fall. This will supply the plant with adequate nutrients necessary for growth.
- Use an appropriate fertilizer: Avoid using fertilizers that contain high levels of nitrogen or any herbicides or pesticides. Instead, choose a specialized aquatic fertilizer that contains balanced nutrients.
- Adjust the amount of fertilizer: In case of over-fertilization, Cut back on the amount of fertilizer applied; if under-fertilization is an issue, increase the amount of fertilizer applied.
Pruning for Pontederia Cordata L. var. Lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb.
Regular pruning ensures that the Pickeral weed plant remains healthy and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some tips to keep in mind when pruning the plant:
- Remove dead or damaged foliage: Prune away any brown, yellowing, or damaged leaves to promote new growth and keep the plant healthy.
- Trim long stems: Cut back overly long stems to promote branching and denser foliage growth in the plant.
- Remove spent flowers: Pickeral weed produces small blue flowers in summer, you can remove the spent flowers to promote continued blooming and prevent the plant from wasting energy on developing seeds.
- Limit pruning the roots: Unlike other plants, pruning the roots should be avoided or limited to promote an adequate nutrient-absorbing area.
Propagation of Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb.
Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb. is a wetland plant that is relatively easy to propagate. The plant can be propagated through seeds, divisions, or runners.
Propagating through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb. is through seeds. The seeds should be collected in the fall when the plant has finished flowering, and they should be sown immediately. The seeds should be placed on the surface of moist soil in a container. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Propagating through Divisions
Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb. can also be propagated through division. This method is best performed in the fall or early spring. The plant should be dug up, and the roots should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and root system. These sections should then be replanted into a suitable location.
Propagating through Runners
Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb. can also be propagated through runners. The plant produces runners that can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a suitable location. The runner should be dug up, and any side shoots should be removed. The runner should then be replanted into a suitable location and watered regularly until it establishes itself.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to ensure that the newly propagated plants are placed in a suitable location with adequate access to moisture and nutrients. With proper care, Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb. can be easily propagated, and it is a great addition to any wetland or pond garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb.
As with any plant, Pontederia cordata L. var. lanceolata (Nutt.) Griseb. is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by a fungal disease and are characterized by brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly to prevent further spread of the fungus. Avoid overhead watering, as the fungus spreads through water droplets.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet soil conditions. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure the soil is well-drained and not overly wet. Avoid overwatering the plant and consider adding sand or perlite to the soil to improve drainage.
Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves regularly with water to remove the mites and their webs. Consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the area to help control the mite population.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap and can cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage an aphid infestation, wash the leaves with soapy water and prune any heavily infested leaves. Consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and hoverflies to the area to help control the population.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are common pests that can chew through the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, consider using a slug and snail bait that is safe for use around plants. You can also use copper barriers around the base of the plant to prevent slugs and snails from reaching the leaves.
