Origin
Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle, commonly known as dwarf coral barleria, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. This plant is native to East Africa, specifically in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Aside from dwarf coral barleria, this plant also goes by other names such as small Barleria, Kenyan Barleria, and dwarf Barleria.
Uses
The dwarf coral barleria has ornamental value and is commonly grown as a ground cover or accent plant in gardens and landscapes. It is a hardy plant that tolerates a range of soil types and requires little maintenance. Some cultures also use the leaves of this plant for medicinal purposes, treating ailments such as cough, fever, and rheumatism.
General Appearance
The dwarf coral barleria is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that reaches a height of only about 30 centimeters. Its small, lance-shaped leaves are a glossy dark green, measuring about 2 centimeters in length. The plant produces clusters of small, bright coral-pink flowers with a tubular shape that measure about 2 centimeters long. These flowers bloom in the spring and summer months, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The plant also produces small, brownish fruit capsules that contain seeds.
Light Requirements
The Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle plant requires abundant sunlight to grow successfully. This plant thrives best in full sun or partially shaded areas with sufficient light. Insufficient sunlight exposure could result in stunted growth and reduced bloom capacity.
Temperature Requirements
The Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot withstand excessive cold temperatures. This plant thrives best in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 15°C will significantly slow down plant growth, cause leaves to wilt and fall off.
Soil Requirements
The Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle plant thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The soil should be fertile, moist, and rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogged soils as this could cause root rot and damage to the plant. The ideal soil should also have good aeration to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle is a popular plant mainly grown for its ornamental value. It is also known as miniature Philippine violet and produces small, delicate, and attractive flowers amidst its dark green foliage. This plant thrives well in warm and humid conditions, making it ideal for tropical and subtropical regions. To cultivate Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle, plant it in a well-draining soil mix that contains humus or compost. The ideal position for this plant is in partial shade or a location with bright, indirect sunlight.Watering Needs
Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle requires consistent watering to maintain its lush and healthy growth. Water this plant frequently, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the hot and dry months, increase the frequency of watering to keep the plant hydrated.Fertilization
Fertilizing Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle is essential as it helps provide the plant with essential nutrients to encourage vigorous growth. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. Ensure you dilute the fertilizer to half its strength to avoid over-fertilization, which may lead to excessive foliage production at the expense of flowers.Pruning
Pruning Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle is essential as it helps remove dead or damaged foliage, encourage bushy growth, and boost the production of flowers. Conduct regular pruning by cutting back the branches by a third of their length. Remember to prune the plant after blooming to avoid cutting off new flower buds.Propagation of Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle
There are mainly two types of propagation methods used for Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle: (1) Sexual propagation, and (2) Asexual propagation.
Sexual Propagation
The Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle is propagated through seeds. The seeds are collected from the plant during the flowering season. The collected seeds are sown in the nursery beds or pots filled with well-drained soil and organic fertilizers. Keep the soil moist and place the pots or beds in a shaded area until the seedlings reach the transplantable stage.
Asexual propagation
The asexual propagation involves mainly two methods:
- Stem cuttings: The stem cuttings are collected during the growing season, generally in the months of May to August. The cuttings should be 5-8 cm long and should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and planted in well-drained soil in pots. The pots are placed in a shaded area with high humidity until the roots grow and transplantable size is reached.
- Dibbling: The dibbling method involves taking a young branch of Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle plant and pinning it to the ground. The branch is covered with a layer of soil, leaving only the tip exposed. Over time, the branch develops roots where it is in contact with the soil. After roots develop, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
The plant Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle is susceptible to several diseases. Some common ones are:
- Leaf spot: Fungal disease causing spots on leaves. Can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: Fungal disease causing a white powder-like substance on leaves. Can be managed by pruning infected areas and applying fungicide.
- Rust: Fungal disease causing brown spots on leaves. Can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicide.
Preventive measures include ensuring good air circulation, proper drainage, and not watering the plant from above. These measures can help prevent fungal spores from settling on the plant.
Pest Management
Barleria setigera Rendle var. pumila Rendle can also be affected by a few pests. Some common ones are:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow and fall off. Can be managed by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: Small insects that suck the sap out of leaves and stems. Can be managed by spraying with a solution of soap and water or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the stems and leaves, sucking the sap and causing yellowing and wilting. Can be managed by applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Mechanical methods such as removing infected areas and using sticky traps can also be used to manage these pests. Regular inspection of the plant can help prevent infestations before they become severe.
