Overview
Roella goodiana Adamson, also known as Good's Roella or Navajo Tea, is a small plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and can grow up to 1 – 2 feet in height. The plant has been used for centuries by the Navajo people as a traditional medicine for various ailments.
Description
Roella goodiana Adamson has narrow, pointed leaves that are arranged oppositely on the stem. The lower leaves usually have short petioles, while the upper ones are sessile or nearly so. The plant's flowers grow in loose clusters at the ends of the branches and have a yellow disc surrounded by several light yellow ray flowers. The fruit of the plant is an achene that is about 2mm long and has a tuft of short bristles at its tip.
Uses
The Navajo people have traditionally used Roella goodiana Adamson as a tea for treating various ailments such as headaches, stomach pains, and colds. The leaves and flowers of the plant are brewed in hot water to make a tea that is said to have a pleasant, slightly sweet taste. The plant is also used as a natural insect repellent due to its pungent odor.
Roella goodiana Adamson is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive yellow flowers. However, it is not widely cultivated due to its small size and limited range.
Cultivation
Roella goodiana Adamson is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained, sandy soils. The plant requires full sunlight and is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings and is low-maintenance once established.
If you plan on growing Roella goodiana Adamson, it is best to obtain seeds or cuttings from a reputable nursery that specializes in native desert plants. The plant is not widely available in cultivation, so it may be difficult to find.
Light Requirements
The Roella goodiana Adamson plant thrives in full sun and requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight may cause spindly growth, poor blooming, and diseases. On the other hand, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and flowers, leading to stunted growth and death.
Temperature Requirements
The Roella goodiana Adamson plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate extreme low or high temperatures, especially below 10 degrees Celsius or above 35 degrees Celsius. Sudden temperature fluctuations, cold drafts, or heatwaves can stress the plant and cause irreversible damage.
Soil Requirements
The Roella goodiana Adamson plant thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or drought conditions, which can lead to root rot, wilting, and death. It is recommended to add compost, aged manure, or peat moss to improve soil fertility and drainage. Additionally, the plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation Methods
Roella goodiana Adamson is a perennial herbaceous plant that thrives in warm climates and loves sunlight. It is commonly grown from seeds and should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Sow the seeds outdoors after the last frost date or indoors about six weeks earlier and transplant them outside after the last frost. Keep the seedlings about 8-10 inches apart to encourage proper growth.
Watering Needs
Roella goodiana Adamson requires moderate watering. Water the plants only when necessary, but be sure not to overwater them, as they cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Generally, during the growing season, water your plant once a week with an inch of water or enough to keep the soil moist at least six inches deep.
Fertilization
Roella goodiana Adamson is not a heavy feeder, and over-fertilizing can lead to poor growth. It would be best if you fertilized your plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer, either an organic or granular one, at the start of the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning Roella goodiana Adamson is not necessary. However, deadheading any spent flowers can encourage new ones to grow, and pruning at the end of the growing season can help remove diseased or damaged plant parts. Cut back the stems to just above the crown, leaving a few inches of healthy foliage.
Propagation of Roella goodiana Adamson
Roella goodiana Adamson, commonly known as Good's roella, is a popular annual plant that belongs to the Euphorbia family. This plant is native to the Sahara Desert and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens worldwide. It is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and is easy to propagate.
Propagation by seeds
The most common method of propagating Roella goodiana is by seeds. This can be done either by direct seeding in the garden or growing the seeds in containers and transplanting them later.
The best time to sow seeds directly in the garden is after the last frost in spring. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually takes 7 to 14 days.
If you prefer growing the seeds in containers, they should be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until germination. The seedlings can be transplanted into the garden when they are 3 to 4 inches tall.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Roella goodiana can also be propagated by stem cuttings. This method is ideal if you want to propagate a specific cultivar or if you do not have access to seeds.
To propagate by stem cuttings, take a 3-inch cutting of a healthy stem with a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to keep the humidity high. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, shaded location until the roots have developed, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into the garden or a larger container.
Propagation by division
Roella goodiana can also be propagated by division in early spring before new growth appears. This method is ideal if the parent plant has become too large for its current location or if you want to create more plants.
To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant and separate the roots into several sections. Each section should have a few stems and a healthy root system. Replant each section in a well-draining potting mix or in the garden. Water the plants well and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Roella goodiana is quick and easy. Whether you choose to propagate by seeds, stem cuttings, or division, you will have a beautiful and hardy plant that will brighten up your garden with its vibrant colors.
Disease and Pest Management for Roella goodiana Adamson
Roella goodiana Adamson is a hardy and robust plant that is resistant to many common diseases and pests. However, like all plants, it is not immune to damage from environmental factors and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Roella goodiana Adamson and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears on the leaves and stem as a white, powdery substance. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves and spray with a fungicide. Ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, and there is enough air circulation.
Root Rot: This is a disease caused by fungi that live in the soil. The plant appears wilted, and the leaves turn yellow. Infected roots appear black and mushy. To manage this disease, reduce watering to avoid waterlogged soil and improve soil drainage. Use a fungicide to curb the spread of the fungus.
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that presents as small, dark spots on the leaves. The spots enlarge and merge, leading to leaf yellowing and dropping. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and use a fungicide. Do not water the plant from the top to avoid spreading the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves. Natural predators like ladybugs can manage them. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or spray the plant with water to dislodge them.
Spider mites: These pests are small, usually red or brown in color, and spin webs on the leaves. They suck sap from the leaves leading to leaf yellowing and dropping. To manage them, spray the plant with water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or a miticide to control heavy infestations.
Whiteflies: These pests damage the plant by feeding on the leaves' underside. Symptoms include leaf yellowing and dropping and stunted growth. To manage them, introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps. Alternatively, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Keeping the Roella goodiana Adamson healthy requires regular inspection for signs of damage or disease, and prompt action to manage any infestations.
