Origin
Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum, commonly known as the tiny aneilema, is a tropical plant native to Africa. It has a wide distribution range, growing in several African countries including Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.
Common Names
Besides the tiny aneilema, this plant is also referred to as Cape aneilema and Dovesfoot. In different African countries, it has various vernacular names that differ from region to region.
Uses
Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum has various medicinal and culinary uses. Traditionally, the plant is used in Africa to treat several health problems, including headaches, coughs, colds, and tummy troubles. Additionally, the plant has been used as a vegetable, where the leaves are cooked as a pot herb or eaten raw in salads. The tiny aneilema also has ornamental value and can be grown for its aesthetic appeal as a houseplant or in a garden setting.
General Appearance
Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum is a small, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 30cm in height. It has thin leaves that are linear to lanceolate in shape, usually sessile, and can grow up to 9cm in length. The plant's inflorescence is small and bears several flowers that are pale blue in color and have six petals. The tiny aneilema's fruit is a small, rounded capsule that contains black seeds.
Light Requirements
Plant Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum is known to thrive in partial shade. It requires moderate to bright light for optimal growth. Although it can tolerate low light, long-term exposure to low light can drastically slow down its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum ranges between 18°C - 26°C. It can tolerate temperature fluctuations to some extent but prefers a consistently warm climate. Temperature below 15°C can damage the plant while temperature above 30°C can make it wilt.
Soil Requirements
Plant Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum prefers well-drained, partially fertile soils that have a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 - 6.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant thrives in loamy soil but can also grow in slightly clayey and sandy soils. It is important to ensure that the soil doesn't become waterlogged as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Method for Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum
Aneilema requires a warm, humid, and partially shaded environment to thrive properly. When planting this species, ensure that you use a well-draining soil mix. You can grow it indoors as a decorative plant or outdoors in a sheltered location. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Watering Needs for Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum
It's important to keep Aneilema's soil moist at all times but not waterlogged. You should water this plant regularly but carefully to prevent the soil from becoming too dry. Always check the top inch of soil to see if it's dry before watering. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water this plant more frequently.
Fertilization for Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum
Feed your Aneilema plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). You can also use a slow-release granular fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
Pruning for Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum
Aneilema rarely needs pruning, but you can cut off any yellow, dead or decaying leaves to improve the appearance of the plant. Trimming back any overgrown stems or branches can help maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth. Prune any wilted flowers or seed pods as soon as they appear to promote more blooms in the future.
Propagation of Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum
Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum can be propagated through various methods including seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common and easiest way to propagate Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum. The seeds should be sown during the rainy season and require moist and well-drained soil for germination.
The seeds should be sown in seedling trays or small containers filled with well-draining soil. The containers should be kept in a partially shaded area and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination should occur within 2 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings can be performed throughout the year. The cutting should be taken from a healthy plant during the summer or rainy season.
The cutting should be approximately 4 to 6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in soil.
The container should be kept in a partially shaded area and watered regularly until roots start to appear. Once rooted, the plant can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division can be done during the rainy season. The parent plant should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a few healthy roots and stems.
The divided plants should be planted in well-draining soil, in a partially shaded area. The plants should be watered regularly until they establish themselves in their new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum
Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum is a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but it can occasionally be affected by diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions for managing them:
Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot: Bacterial leaf spot causes small, water-soaked spots on the leaves of Aneilema pusillum. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. To prevent the disease from spreading, avoid working with wet plants and tools.
Leaf Blight: Leaf blight causes brown or black spots with yellow halos on the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Use well-draining soil and reduce overcrowding to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage these pests, trim away heavily infected leaves or use insecticidal soap or oil to limit their spread. Keep the plant well-watered to discourage the mites from congregating.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, cotton-like insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be controlled by manually removing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap. Applying a systemic insecticide is another option. Keep the plant well-watered and avoid over-fertilizing to discourage the mealybugs from infesting the plant.
With proper care and management, Aneilema pusillum Chiov. subsp. pusillum should be able to resist most diseases and pests, allowing it to thrive in your garden or home.
