Origin and Common Names
Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. It is commonly known by several names, such as Night Phlox, Midnight Candy, and Twelve O'Clock.
The plant is native to South Africa, and it has become a popular ornamental in many parts of the world due to its attractive, fragrant flowers.
Uses
Aside from its ornamental value, Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. has several uses in traditional medicine. Its leaves and flowers are used to make a tea that is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body.
The plant's essential oils are also used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. In addition, the Night Phlox is said to have insect-repelling properties, and its crushed leaves can be used as a natural mosquito repellent.
General Appearance
The Night Phlox is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 30cm in height. It has lance-shaped leaves that are up to 5cm long and grow directly from the stem. The plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that bloom at night and have a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance.
The flowers are typically white, although some cultivars may have pink or purple hues. They open in the evening and close in the morning, giving the plant its common name.
Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is a fast-growing plant that can survive in a wide range of temperatures and soils, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Light Requirements
Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. typically grows in areas with bright, indirect sunlight. They prefer partial shade under the canopy of trees or near buildings that provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm to cool temperatures and can withstand mild frost. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. It prefers temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold, making it an excellent choice for moderate climates.
Soil Requirements
Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot and other problems. This plant does not do well in extremely dry or sandy soils.
Cultivation Methods
Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. is a stunning plant to grow in your home garden. It is a perennial succulent that thrives in full sunlight. This plant requires well-draining soil that contains a high level of sand, pumice, and gravel. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0-7.0.
Make sure to plant the Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. in an area that has good airflow. It helps protect the plant from fungus and other air-borne diseases. Make sure not to plant it near other plants that are susceptible to powdery mildew.
Watering Needs
Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. does not require frequent watering like other succulents. Overwatering can damage the plant and cause root rot. We recommend that you water this plant only when the soil is completely dry.
During the dormant season, it's best to reduce watering and wait until the soil is dry before watering. However, in hot and dry conditions, you can water the plant twice a week.
Fertilization
Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. does not require heavy fertilization. Fertilize the plant once a year during vegetative growth with a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer. Over-fertilization can cause the leaves to drop, stunt the plant's growth, or lead to salt accumulation in the soil.
Pruning
Zaluzianskya selaginoides (Thunb.) Walp. var. glabra (Benth.) Walp. does not require heavy pruning. However, removing dead or diseased leaves, flowers, or stems can help maintain the plant's health and appearance. Prune the plant in the spring or fall using sterilized garden scissors or pruning shears.
It's an excellent idea to prune the plant after the blooming period to encourage new growth and blossoms. The plant will naturally stop blooming after a few months, but pruning the faded flowers helps the plant focus its energy on producing more blossoms.
Propagation of Zaluzianskya Selaginoides var. Glabra
Zaluzianskya Selaginoides var. Glabra, commonly known as Night Phlox, is a hardy plant that is easy to propagate. There are different propagation methods that can be used to reproduce this plant. They include:
Seed Propagation
The Zaluzianskya Selaginoides var. Glabra plant can be easily propagated from seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in pots or trays. They should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until germination. The germination period usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted to their permanent spots.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another reliable method of increasing the number of Zaluzianskya Selaginoides var. Glabra plants. Softwood cuttings should be taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and potted in well-draining soil. The pots should then be covered to increase humidity and promote root growth. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent spots.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is an ideal method for propagating mature Zaluzianskya Selaginoides var. Glabra plants. The plant should be lifted carefully, and the root ball should be divided into several parts. Each part should have some leaves and roots. They should be replanted in their permanent spots and kept moist until they are established.
Disease Management
Zaluzianskya selaginoides var. glabra is a relatively hardy plant with few known diseases or infections. However, there are a few potential diseases that can affect this plant:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that can cause brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, you can try removing affected leaves and deadheading the plant regularly to increase airflow around the foliage and prevent moisture build-up. Proper watering techniques can also help prevent leaf spot.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. If root rot has already set in, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil and ensure the roots are not too wet.
Pest Management
There are also a few pests that can pose a threat to Zaluzianskya selaginoides var. glabra:
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can cause damage to the foliage and flowers of the plant. To manage spider mites, you can try spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or using a commercial insecticidal soap. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control spider mite populations.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat through the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage caterpillars, you can try picking them off the plant by hand and introducing natural predators like birds and beneficial insects. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a natural bacteria that targets caterpillars, is also an effective pest control option.
