Plant Description:
Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod, commonly known as Charles’ Barleria, is a perennial, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It is a subshrub with woody branches that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height.
Origin:
The plant is native to Madagascar, specifically in the central highlands of the island. It is found in rocky places, cliff faces, and along streams or rivers.
Common Names:
Besides Charles’ Barleria, the plant is commonly known by other names like Madagascar Bush Violet and Throatwort.
Uses:
Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii is cultivated as an ornamental plant, extensively used for its beautiful violet-blue flowers, making it an excellent choice for garden landscaping. It requires low maintenance and can withstand drought conditions, making it suitable for dry areas. Additionally, it has medicinal properties, and the leaves are used to treat coughs, throat irritations, and bronchitis.
General Appearance:
The plant has an upright and bushy growth habit and produces beautiful showy violet-blue tubular flowers, blooming in the summer and fall. The leaves are narrow, elongated, and measure between 5-15 cm long, and 1-2 cm wide. The stems and leaves are smooth and hairless and light green in color. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule that splits open to release several small seeds.
Growth Conditions of Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod
Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod, commonly known as Blue Barleria, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It is native to Madagascar and mainly grown as an ornamental plant because of its attractive blue flowers. To grow and thrive, this plant requires the following growth conditions:
Light
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade to thrive well. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce healthy leaves and flowers. When grown indoors, place it near a sunny window that receives bright indirect sunlight.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for growing Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It cannot tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations below 10°C (50°F) or above 35°C (95°F). Therefore, it thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions with a warm and humid climate.
Soil
This plant prefers well-draining, moist soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. It does not require any specific soil type and can grow in sandy loam, clay loam, or humus-rich soil. To enhance the soil's fertility, mix compost or organic fertilizers before planting. Additionally, make sure the soil is not waterlogged, as it may cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Barleria lancifolia T. Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod is a slow-growing plant that is well-suited to indoor or outdoor cultivation. The plant prefers well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and moderate to high humidity levels. It is generally propagated through cuttings or division, and can be easily grown by gardeners of all skill levels.Watering Needs
Regular, consistent watering is essential for the healthy growth of Barleria lancifolia T. Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod. The plant requires moist soil, so it should be watered frequently during the growing season. However, be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot. In the winter months, reduce watering to avoid waterlogging the soil.Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and flowering, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant. Alternatively, a diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied every other week during the growing season.Pruning
Barleria lancifolia T. Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod is a relatively low-maintenance plant, and pruning is generally not necessary. However, if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, it can be trimmed back in the early spring. Prune away any dead or damaged growth and shape the plant as desired. Regular deadheading of spent flowers will promote new growth and prolong blooming.Propagation of Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii
Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod is commonly propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii can be directly sown in well-draining soil with a cover of 1-2 mm. The seeds should be kept moist, and germination can occur in 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings are taken from a healthy stem of the plant and are rooted in a well-draining soil mix. A rooting hormone can be applied to the cuttings to improve the chances of successful rooting. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight until they have established roots. Once established, the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
The Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod is prone to various diseases. These include:
- Leaf spot - This disease is caused by fungi that create circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves.
- Root rot - This is caused by fungi like Fusarium and Pythium, which result in the decay of the roots, stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
- Powdery mildew - This is indicated by a white powdery substance on the leaves and shoots, which is caused by fungi.
To manage leaf spot and powdery mildew, you can apply fungicides, and remove infected parts. For root rot, the plant should be uprooted and the soil replaced. Proper and regular irrigation and crop rotation may prevent the occurrence of root rot.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Barleria lancifolia T.Anderson subsp. charlesii (Benoist) J.-P.Lebrun & Monod can also be affected by pests. These may include:
- Aphids - These insects suck sap from the plant causing yellowing and stunted growth.
- Mealybugs - They prefer young leaves and shoots where they can suck sap, causing deformation and yellowing of leaves.
- Spider mites - They create webs on the leaves, causing yellowing, and ultimately defoliation of the plant.
To manage pests, you can use insecticidal sprays, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to control the population of pests. In addition, frequent inspections and proper drainage of stagnant water can be helpful in preventing infestation.
