Overview
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the daisy family. This plant species is native to Kenya, a country located in East Africa.
Common Names
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg is known by several common names, including:
- Keniensis Bleria
- Johnston’s Bleria
Appearance
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg is a small plant species that grows up to 30cm tall. The plant has narrow leaves and produces small yellow flowers that are less than 1cm in diameter. The fruit of this plant is an achene, which is a dry fruit that contains a single seed.
Uses
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg is used for a variety of purposes by the local communities in Kenya. The plant is primarily used for medicinal purposes and is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the plant is used for soil conservation and erosion control due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Light Requirements
Blaeria johnstonii subsp. keniensis is a plant that prefers partial to full sunlight for proper growth and development. This means that it can grow in areas where there is shade, but it will not thrive well if it does not receive at least a few hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a range of temperatures, from cool to warm. The optimum temperature range for its growth is between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. The plant requires a stable temperature, and sudden temperature changes can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Blaeria johnstonii subsp. keniensis thrives best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. The ideal pH range for the growth of this plant is between 6.0 and 6.5. It is important to note that this species is not tolerant of soil salinity.
Cultivation methods
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg is a relatively easy plant to grow in suitable conditions. It thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and the pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and it requires temperatures between 18°C and 27°C. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on your preference, but ensure that it gets enough light and water in both settings.
Watering needs
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to ensure that the water drains out effectively to prevent root rot.
Ensure the foliage and flowers do not stay wet for long to prevent fungal diseases. It is best to water early in the morning to provide the plant enough moisture to thrive during the day.
Fertilization
The recommended fertilizers for Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg are those that are high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is ideal, and it should be applied every month during the growing period.
It is essential to avoid overfeeding the plant to prevent the buildup of excess salts in the soil, which can cause leaf burn or brown tips.
Pruning
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg requires minimal pruning, but it can benefit from deadheading. Remove spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms and keep it looking neat and tidy.
Trimming the plant during winter can help control its growth and shape. Cut back any dead or diseased branches at this time.
Propagation of Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Hedberg is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The species is endemic to Kenya, where it grows on rocky hills and in grassy areas at altitudes of 1,600 to 2,000 meters.
Propagation Methods
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis can be propagated from seed or vegetatively.
Seed propagation: Seeds of Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis should be collected when the fruits are mature. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a dry place until sowing. The seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with a well-draining mix of peat and sand. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the mix and water them lightly to keep the soil moist. The trays or pots should be placed in a warm, bright location. Germination usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden when they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative propagation: Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis can also be propagated vegetatively by dividing the clumps or through stem cuttings. In early spring, divide the clumps and replant the sections in well-draining soil. Alternatively, in late spring or early summer, take stem cuttings about 10cm long from the parent plant and root them in a well-draining mix of sand and perlite. Cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to keep the humidity high and place them in a warm, bright location. In about 2-4 weeks, the cuttings should root and can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management of Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis
Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis is a plant species that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, there are still some common problems that may affect the plant, and it is important to take early action to keep them under control. Here are some guidelines for managing the most common diseases and pests:
Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis is powdery mildew. This fungal disease manifests as white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering, which can promote the growth of the fungus. Instead, water the plants at the base and ensure good air circulation around the plant. If the infection persists, try using a fungicide or neem oil.
Another common disease that may trouble Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis is root rot. This usually occurs when the plant is grown in poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already infected, remove damaged roots and replant in fresh soil.
Pests
One of the most common pests that may affect Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis is spider mites. These pests are tiny and usually appear in large numbers on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, try spraying the plant with a spray bottle of water to remove them. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests.
Another common pest that may trouble Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis is mealybugs. These pests are soft-bodied and produce a white, cotton-like substance on the plant. To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove the insects from the plant. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate them.
By following these guidelines, you can keep Blaeria johnstonii Engl. subsp. keniensis healthy and free from diseases and pests. Regular inspection of the plant is key to catching any signs of trouble early and taking action to manage them.
