Origin and Common Names
Asystasia excellens Lindau is a member of the Acanthaceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The plant is commonly known as giant Chinese violet, large-leaved asystasia, and karingaringa.
General Appearance
Asystasia excellens Lindau is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has large, glossy, green leaves that are ovate in shape and can measure up to 15 cm long and 11 cm wide. The plant produces showy, tubular-shaped flowers that are lilac or pink in color and can measure up to 8 cm long. The flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of the stems and bloom throughout the year.
Uses
Asystasia excellens Lindau is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is valued for its large, attractive leaves and colorful flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. The plant is also used in traditional medicine in Africa to treat a variety of ailments such as malaria, stomach aches, and respiratory infections. Some studies have shown that extracts from the plant have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential source of new drugs.
Light Requirements
Asystasia excellens Lindau thrives well in partial shade to full sunlight. It requires bright light for optimum growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius. It can also grow well in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius, but it is vulnerable to frost and extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-drained, rich in organic content, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Asystasia excellens Lindau can grow in various soils, but it thrives well in loamy soils with proper drainage. It is also best to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization Requirements
Asystasia excellens Lindau benefits from regular fertilization to fuel its growth and flowering. Adding a slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil during the growing season can provide the required nutrients. Additionally, mixing compost into the soil during planting can help promote healthy growth and strong flowering.
Cultivation
Asystasia excellens Lindau, also known as Malayan Wishbone Flower, can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in a warm and humid environment and is known for its stunning and long-lasting flowers. It is recommended to grow this plant in partial shade, as direct sunlight can damage the leaves and flowers. Malayan Wishbone Flower requires well-draining soil and a moderate amount of water.
Watering
Malayan Wishbone Flower should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and dry out. The watering frequency should be adjusted based on the environment and the size of the container that the plant is in. It is recommended to water the plant when the top of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Asystasia excellens Lindau should be fertilized regularly to promote healthy growth and blooming. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season, which typically lasts from spring to fall. The fertilizer should be diluted to half the recommended strength to prevent burning the roots. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning can help maintain the shape and promote the growth of new flowers. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from a plant, and this should be done regularly with Malayan Wishbone Flower. Pruning can also be used to control the size of the plant and remove any damaged or diseased stems. It is recommended to prune during the spring and summer months, when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Asystasia excellens Lindau
Asystasia excellens Lindau or sometimes called "Blue fox-tail" is a beautiful flowering plant native to the tropical regions of Africa. It is an excellent choice for garden enthusiasts who want to add a pop of color to their garden. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through the following methods:
Propagation by Division
To propagate Asystasia excellens by division, ensure that the mother plant is healthy and has several shoots emerging from the root system. Dig up the plant carefully and use a sharp knife to separate the rootball into several smaller pieces. Each divided section should have its shoot and a healthy root system. Transplant the divisions into well-draining soil, and water them adequately until they establish themselves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings involves taking a piece of the plant and allowing it to root to form a new plant. Take a cutting of about 10-15 cm long from the tip of a healthy stem, and remove the lower leaves, leaving two or three on top. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone to enhance the chances of successful rooting, then plant it in a container or directly into the soil, making sure that the soil is moist. It is advisable to keep the cutting in a shaded area and keep the soil moist, ensuring successful rooting.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is another method to propagate Asystasia excellens Lindau. Collect mature seeds from the parent plant and plant them in a seed-starting mix. Cover them with a shallow layer of soil and keep them moist. Place the tray in a well-lit area to promote germination. The seeds will begin to germinate within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings are several inches tall, transplant them to their permanent place.
Overall, Asystasia excellens Lindau is an easy plant to propagate and is a perfect addition to any garden with its colorful flowers.
Disease Management
Asystasia excellens Lindau is generally a hardy plant, but it is susceptible to fungal diseases, especially when grown in humid conditions. Here are some common diseases and management tips:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular, dark spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease creates a white, powdery substance on the leaves. It can be managed through proper pruning and watering from below to keep the foliage dry.
- Rot: This fungal disease causes the plant to become mushy and decay at the base. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage to prevent rot.
Pest Management
Asystasia excellens Lindau can be attacked by various pests. Here are some common pests and management tips:
- Mealybugs: These insects produce white, cotton-like masses on the leaves and stems. To manage them, wipe off the bugs with a damp cloth and apply insecticidal soap.
- Mites: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to yellow and drop. To manage them, use a miticide and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Caterpillars: These insects eat the leaves and can defoliate the plant. To manage them, handpick and remove them from the plant, or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
