Origin of Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is native to the southern part of Africa, including Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Common Names of Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx
The plant is commonly known as African bush violet, purple-leaf barleria or purple lip barleria.
Uses of Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx is grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive purple flowers and leaves. The plant is easy to maintain and can be pruned to maintain a neat shape. It is also used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments, such as snakebites, burns, and headaches.
General Appearance of Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx is a small shrub that grows up to two meters in height. It has bright green, oval-shaped leaves that are up to 7cm long and 4cm wide. The leaves have a somewhat hairy texture and are lined with serrated edges. The plant produces vibrant, long-tubed, violet-colored flowers that bloom throughout the year. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches and are about 3cm long.
Light Needs
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx prefers a location that provides partial or full sunlight. It grows well in bright but indirect light as well. The plant should be placed in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sun per day.
Temperature Needs
The plant grows best in warm temperatures that range between 60°F and 80°F (15°C - 27°C). It can tolerate moderate changes in temperature, but avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures. The plant may face difficulty growing in temperatures that drop below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
The Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx prefers soil that is humus-rich and well-drained. It can also grow in sandy or clay soil if organic matter is added to it. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Adding compost regularly to the soil will improve fertility and yield healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx, also known as the Large-flowered Barleria, is a stunning plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It is perennial and can be grown indoors as well as outdoors. The plant requires well-drained soil and needs to be planted in bright light but prefers partial shade. If grown outdoors, it is crucial to ensure that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight, which may damage the leaves.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering the Large-flowered Barleria, it is essential to strike a proper balance. The soil should not be too dry, nor should it be too wet. It is recommended to water the plant once every two to three days, depending on the weather, till it establishes itself. After that, the frequency of watering can be reduced to once every five to seven days.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is crucial to keep the Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx healthy and blooming. During the growing season, fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer and compost once every three weeks. However, avoid over-fertilization, as it may lead to salt deposition and damage the plant roots.
Pruning
Pruning the Large-flowered Barleria helps manage its shape, promote new growth, and improve blooming. It is recommended to prune the plant once every year, preferably during the early spring months before the growing season begins. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches and then prune to the desired size and shape. It is also important to remove any stray branches or growth that might be a disturbance to the plant's shape.
Propagation of Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx is a beautiful perennial plant that can be propagated through several methods.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and sown soon after collection. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained mixture of soil and sand and should be watered regularly to ensure that the soil remains moist. The seeds usually take 2-3 weeks to germinate, and once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings propagation
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings are preferable and should be taken from the new growth in spring. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a well-drained mixture of soil and sand. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and after a few weeks, they will develop roots and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division propagation
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx can also be propagated through division. This is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The clump should be dug up carefully, and the root system should be divided into several smaller clumps. Each clump should have a healthy shoot and root system and should be planted in individual pots. The new plants should be watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Disease Management
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx is susceptible to different diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases that can affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot: this disease appears as small spots on the leaves which gradually increase in size and can destroy the plant's foliage. To control leaf spot, avoid overcrowding of plants, remove infected leaves, and spray with a fungicide.
- Mildew: this is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. It is advisable to maintain good air circulation, prune infected areas, and apply a fungicide.
- Rust: this disease affects the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and develop reddish-brown lesions. It is important to practice good sanitation habits, remove infected leaves, and spray with a fungicide.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and take quick action to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants. Also, avoid overwatering and ensure that the plant has the right amount of light and nutrients to boost its immune system.
Pest Management
Barleria grandicalyx Lindau var. grandicalyx can also be attacked by different pests that can cause damage to the leaves and stem. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant:
- Spider mites: these are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. To control spider mites, use a miticide and maintain good air circulation.
- Scale insects: these pests attach themselves to the stem and suck sap from the plant. They can cause significant damage if left untreated. To control scale, prune the infected area and apply insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: these are small, white pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To control whiteflies, apply an insecticide and maintain good air circulation.
It is important to prevent the spread of pests to other plants by quarantining infected plants and disposing of them properly. Also, it's advisable to use natural methods of controlling pests, such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
