Basananthe nummularia Welw. - Overview
Basananthe nummularia Welw. is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. The plant is native to Angola and has several common names, including "Rabbit's Foot," "Pennywort," and "Water Pennywort."
Appearance
The plant has a creeping habit and produces kidney-shaped leaves that grow up to 1 cm in diameter. The leaves are dark green on top and light green on the underside. Basananthe nummularia Welw. can reach a height of around 10 cm and has a spread of up to 30 cm.
Uses
The plant has a range of medicinal uses, including treating stomach pains, digestive problems, and fever. In traditional African medicine, it is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Additionally, it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens and around water features.
Growth Conditions for Basananthe nummularia Welw
Light: Basananthe nummularia Welw prefers moderate to bright light conditions with a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best to place the plant near a south-facing window or under grow lights if natural light is not sufficient.
Temperature: This plant prefers a warm environment with a temperature range of 18°C to 29°C (65°F to 85°F). It can tolerate slight fluctuations in temperature but should be kept away from drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Soil: Basananthe nummularia Welw thrives in a well-draining soil mix that is porous yet retains moisture. A recommended soil mix can be composed of peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts. The soil should be moistened but not waterlogged, as the plant can be prone to root rot if overwatered.
Fertilizer: This species does not require frequent fertilization. However, it benefits from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks during the growing season. Use half the recommended dosage to avoid fertilizer burn.
Humidity: Basananthe nummularia Welw can tolerate low humidity levels but prefers higher humidity to promote healthy growth. Use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels.
Propagation: The easiest way to propagate this plant is through stem cuttings, which should be taken in the spring or summer. Simply remove a 3 to 4-inch cutting from the mother plant, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in bright, indirect light until it has rooted (usually within 2 to 4 weeks).
By providing proper growth conditions for Basananthe nummularia Welw, you can ensure a happy and healthy plant that will thrive for many years.
Cultivation Methods
Basananthe nummularia Welw., also known as the pennywort plant, is a fast-growing herbaceous plant that thrives in moist environments. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of 30 cm to promote root growth. You can either plant it directly or propagate it using cuttings.
Watering Needs
The pennywort plant requires consistent moisture to flourish. Ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water it when the top inch of the soil feels dry. During hot and dry seasons, it may require watering twice a day. Avoid watering the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. The pennywort plant is sensitive to salt buildup in the soil, so avoid heavy applications. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are also suitable alternatives.
Pruning
To promote bushy growth, prune the tips of the plant regularly. Remove any dead or yellow leaves to prevent the spread of diseases. Pinch back the stems to encourage branching. After flowering, cut back the stems to promote the growth of new shoots. The pennywort plant can also be grown as a ground cover; in this case, prune it back to restrain its growth.
Propagation of Basananthe Nummularia Welw.
Basananthe Nummularia Welw. is propagated mainly through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces seeds during the summer months. The seed pods should be collected when they turn brown and start to open up. The seeds should be sown immediately in a potting mix of peat and sand. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist by watering regularly. The pot should be kept in a warm, well-lit place. Germination should occur within three to four weeks. Once the seedlings have a few leaves, they should be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation through Cuttings
Basananthe Nummularia Welw. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings of about 5cm to 10cm long should be taken in the spring or summer. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a potting mix of peat and sand in a pot or tray. The pot or tray should be kept in a warm, well-lit place and watered regularly. Roots should develop within four to six weeks, and the cutting can then be transplanted into an individual pot.
Propagation through Division
The plant can also be propagated through division. This is best done in the spring when the plant is just starting to grow again. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots should be gently separated. Each new plant should have several roots and some foliage. The new plants should be potted in individual pots with a potting mix of peat and sand. They should be kept in a warm, well-lit place and watered regularly.
Disease Management for Basananthe nummularia Welw.
Basananthe nummularia Welw. is generally a resilient plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, it can be affected by some fungal and bacterial diseases:
- Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the plant's stems and roots to rot. The infected plant may appear wilted, and the leaves may turn yellow or brown. To manage the disease, remove any affected parts of the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent water accumulation around the roots.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots to form on the plant's leaves. The spots may be yellow, brown, or black, and they may have a darker border. To manage the disease, remove any infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the disease from spreading. Ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering, as moisture on the leaves can promote the growth of fungi.
- Bacterial blight: This disease causes the plant's leaves and stems to develop water-soaked lesions that may eventually turn brown or black. To manage the disease, prune any affected areas of the plant and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of bacteria, and sanitize any gardening tools that come into contact with the infected plant.
Pest Management for Basananthe nummularia Welw.
Basananthe nummularia Welw. is also resistant to most pests, but here are some to look out for:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, you can remove them manually, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap, or introduce ladybugs, which feed on aphids.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cause discoloration and webbing on the plant's leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a water jet to dislodge them, introduce predatory mites or use insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes into the plant's leaves and stems, causing significant damage. To manage them, you can trap them with beer traps or apply a copper barrier to the soil around the plant to deter them.
