Origin and Common Names
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum, commonly known as the Large-flowered Blombos in English and the Bergtee in Afrikaans, belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. It is native to South Africa, growing in the Western Cape Province.
General Appearance
Becium grandiflorum var. grandiflorum is a compact, perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has woody stems and narrow, lanceolate leaves that are gray-green in color. The leaves are covered in fine hairs and have a slightly woolly texture. The plant blooms from late winter to early spring, producing large, terminal spikes of tubular-shaped flowers that range in color from white to pink. The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Uses
Becium grandiflorum var. grandiflorum has a variety of uses. In traditional medicine, the leaves and flowers are used to treat colds, flu, and chest infections. The plant also produces an essential oil that is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety. In addition, the plant is used by gardeners as an ornamental plant due to its attractive leaves and colorful flowers. Becium grandiflorum var. grandiflorum also plays an important role in the ecosystem by providing nectar and pollen to pollinating insects, which in turn helps with the conservation of these important species.
Light requirements
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum typically grows best in areas with full sun exposure. It therefore requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. In shaded areas, the growth is likely to be scanty and weak, leading to poor yields.
Temperature requirements
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum is native to tropical and subtropical regions. The plants grow optimally in temperatures that range from 20°C to 35°C. Average temperatures of 25°C to 30°C are considered ideal for the plant’s growth and flowering. However, the plants are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures and can still grow and thrive in temperatures that vary between 15°C to 40°C, although the growth rate might be slower under extreme temperatures.
Soil requirements
The ideal soil for Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum is well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH of between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. The plant can tolerate mildly acidic soils, but highly acidic soils should be avoided. The optimal soil fertility levels for the plant should be moderate because excessive levels of organic matter and nutrients may affect the plant’s flavor and medicinal value. Additionally, soil fertility should be balanced with the right amount of irrigation water to sustain the plant growth and development.
Cultivation
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is recommended to cultivate the plant in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90°F. The best time to plant the Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum is during the spring season when the temperature is warmer.
Watering Needs
The Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum requires moderate watering. It is advisable to water the plant once every week. However, the frequency of watering may differ depending on the climate and soil. Overwatering the plant may cause root rot, so it is essential to avoid wetting the leaves while watering the plant.
Fertilization
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum requires fertilization to promote growth and flowering. It is recommended to add organic compost or well-rotted manure during planting. You can also add a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks to ensure that the plant gets adequate nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning the Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum helps to promote bushy growth and prolongs the flowering period. It is advisable to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any weak or damaged stems and cut back old flowering stems to the basal rosette of leaves. However, avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's foliage at any given time.
Propagation of Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum, commonly known as the Cape Snakeroot, is a plant that can be propagated through various methods. The plant is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Southern Africa and is mostly found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The plant has attractive pink or purple flowers that bloom during summer and autumn.
Seed Propagation
The Cape Snakeroot can be propagated through seeds. The plant produces small black seeds that can be harvested when the seed capsules turn brown and dry. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place until the planting season. The seeds should then be sown in spring in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with the potting mix and keep the soil moist until germination occurs. The seedlings can be transplanted once they develop two or three true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, which is in spring and summer. Select healthy stems that are semi-hardwood, about 10-15cm long, and free of any diseases or pests. Cut the stems at an angle about 2cm below a node and remove any leaves close to the stem's bottom. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and insert them into a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a shaded area. The cuttings should develop roots in about four to six weeks and can be transplanted once they are rooted.
Division
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum can also be propagated through division. The best time to divide the plant is during spring or autumn. Dig up the whole plant and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good root system and some foliage. Replant the sections into a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. grandiflorum, commonly known as the pink becium or giant turpentine plant, is a resilient plant species that are not significantly affected by common diseases or pests. However, there are a few common diseases and pests that can affect this plant, and appropriate measures must be taken to manage them.
Common Diseases of Becium grandiflorum
One of the common diseases that can affect Becium grandiflorum is fungal leaf spot. This disease can cause the leaves to develop brown or black spots that may merge to form larger infected areas. To manage this disease, infected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading. Moreover, ensuring that the plant is well-ventilated and avoiding overhead watering can prevent this disease from occurring.
Anoth common disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which can cause leaves, stems, and flowers to develop a powdery, greyish-white coating. The development of powdery mildew thrives in warm, humid conditions, and can be prevented by ensuring adequate air circulation and a regular pest and disease management routine.
Common Pests of Becium grandiflorum
The common pests that can affect Becium grandiflorum include aphids and whiteflies. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the edges of the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage these pests, an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be sprayed onto the leaves to control the aphid population.
Whiteflies, on the other hand, are tiny winged insects that suck plant sap, causing leaf yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Whiteflies can be managed by installing sticky traps to capture and control their population. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can aid in managing the whitefly population.
In summary, by keeping Becium grandiflorum well-ventilated, avoiding overhead watering and adhering to a regular pest and disease management routine, the common pests and diseases that could affect the plant can be prevented and effectively managed.
