Description:
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. is a small, perennial plant that belongs to the Colchicaceae family. It is also commonly known as the Bell-flowered Wurmbea. It is native to Australia and is mostly found in the western regions of the country, particularly in the states of Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria.
General Appearance:
The Bell-flowered Wurmbea has pink to purple bell-shaped flowers that bloom from July to September. The leaves are narrow and grass-like and grow in a basal rosette. The stem is generally short and only grows up to 10 cm in height. This species, in particular, has small flowers that only grow up to 7 mm in length, and the seeds are black, glossy, and round-shaped.
Uses:
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. has been used by Aboriginal people in Australia as a food source, where they would consume the underground corms to sustain themselves during hard times. The plant also has a relatively low probability of grazing by livestock, making it an important plant for conservation in Australia.
Light Conditions
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. requires full sun to thrive. It should be planted in an area with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is best grown in mild to hot temperatures. It requires a minimum temperature of 10°C to grow well. It can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C, but temperatures higher than this can cause the plant to wilt and suffer from heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. grows well in well-drained soil. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, preferably between 6 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate some saline soils but doesn't grow well in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils.
Cultivation Methods
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. is a bulbous plant that thrives best in sandy or loamy soil that is well-draining, well-aerated, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Plant the bulbs in autumn at a depth of 4-5 cm and a spacing of 5-8 cm between each bulb. Sun or partial shade, with at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight, is the ideal growing condition for this plant.
Watering Needs
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. requires moderate watering. During the growth period, water once every 1-2 weeks, and avoid watering during the dormant period. The soil should be kept lightly moist, but not waterlogged, as it can cause the bulbs to rot. During periods of drought, increase watering, but do not let the soil become too saturated.
Fertilization
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. does not require much fertilization. But, if you want to fertilize, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Apply it every two months. Over-fertilizing can lead to an abundance of foliage growth but reduces flowering.
Pruning
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. does not require pruning. If the foliage dies back naturally, remove the dead leaves to promote good air circulation around the bulbs, which will help to prevent fungal diseases. From seed to flowering, this plant takes 2-3 years, so if the plant has not flowered, do not be tempted to dig up the bulbs - they may just be taking their time to settle in.
Propagation of Wurmbea Campanulata
Wurmbea campanulata Willd. var. pumila Schult. & Schult.f. can be propagated through seeds, offsets, and bulbs. Here are the methods to propagate Wurmbea campanulata:
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common and easiest method for Wurmbea campanulata. The plant produces seeds after flowering in late spring or early summer. The seeds are collected and sown in a seed tray or a pot filled with well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1cm and kept in a bright location with partial shade. The soil should be kept moist, but avoid over-watering as it can lead to seed rot.
Offsets
Offsets are smaller bulbs that develop around the base of the parent bulb. These offsets can be removed in the spring and planted separately. To remove the offsets, carefully dig around the plant, and gently separate the offsets from the parent bulb. Plant the offsets in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of 5cm, with the pointed end facing up. Water the plant thoroughly and keep it in a bright location with partial shade.
Bulbs
The bulbs of Wurmbea campanulata can be propagated by dividing the parent bulb. This is done in the early autumn, several weeks after the plant has flowered. Dig around the plant and carefully remove the parent bulb. Separate the bulb into smaller sections, making sure each section has a dormant bud. Plant the sections in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of 5cm, with the pointed end facing upwards. Water the plant thoroughly and keep it in a bright location with partial shade.
Disease Management
The Wurmbea campanulata plant, also known as the Bell Wurmbea, is generally resistant to most common plant diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect the plant such as:
- Root Rot: caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. To manage this, reduce watering and ensure good drainage by adding sand or gravel to the soil.
- Bacterial Soft Rot: caused by bacteria entering through damaged parts of the plant. To manage this, prune off any affected parts of the plant and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Fungal Leaf Spot: caused by fungal spores in humid or wet conditions. To manage this, remove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
As prevention is always better than cure, it is important to maintain good plant care practices such as adequate watering, proper drainage, and regular pruning to prevent diseases from affecting the plant.
Pest Management
The Wurmbea campanulata plant is also relatively pest-resistant. However, there are some common pests that may affect the plant such as:
- Thrips: small insects that feed on the plant's leaves and flowers, causing discoloration and distortion. To manage this, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Aphids: small insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage this, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Snails and Slugs: these creatures feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage and aesthetic issues. To manage this, handpick them off the plant or use a slug and snail bait.
Again, preventing pests from affecting the plant is always better than managing them after they have infested it. Maintaining good plant hygiene and avoiding over-fertilization can help prevent pest infestations. Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pests can also help with early detection and management.
