Raising Apache Plume
A Hardy Plant Native to southwestern North America
Apache Plume is a striking and wildly beautiful plant that is native to southwestern North America. Easy to grow, this plant likes just about any soil.
Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is an attractive, hardy and drought-tolerant plant that does well in many climates and soil conditions.
It is a native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. It likes well-drained soil that is slightly moist to dry. It also likes soil with a pH from 6.0 to 8.0, tolerating relatively high alkaline soils.
Apache Plume is difficult, but not impossible to start from seed. Start with small planters two inches wide and at least four inches deep. Mix slow-release fertilizer with the soil according to label recommendations. Fill each cell with a commercial soil less growing medium and pack the soil somewhat. Plant three to four seeds on top of the soil, as evenly as possible from each other. Optimal temperature for germination of Apache Plume seeds is 70 degrees F during the day and 55 degrees during the night. Unless it is extraordinarily hot and dry, water the germinating seeds once per day in the morning. If it becomes really hot and dry, water twice a day.
Once the seeds germinate, and form a radicle, transplant immediately before the radicle gets too long. While you are transplanting, cut away all but one seedling from each cell, leaving the healthiest one.
Prepare another set of planting cells, this time larger (four to six inches) or plant in small pots. Use a mixture of perlite and soil.
Transplant by dibbling a hole in the middle of the container, removing the seedling (much as you would a piece of pie) and place the tiny plant, along with its root ball, into the hole made by the dibble.
One the seedlings are transplanted, use a water-soluble fertilizer mixed with irrigation water every other day.
Harden the plants off by exposing them to outside for several hours per day for several days, and then increase the time outdoors.
From that point, either transplant them into pots, or, for better results, into the ground.
Plant Apache Plume seedlings into original native soil. Do not amend the soil. These plants do well in poor, native soil not too rich in nutrients.
Plants that are already established should be planted in early spring or fall.
Whether you are planting from your own seedlings or from established plants, do not try to over water them. A good, deep watering once a month should be adequate during hot months. Once the plants are well established, sparse desert rainfall should provide enough moisture for them.
As with other native wild plants, do not dig these plants up from areas they are growing wild. It is against the law, and also violates conservation principles.
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