Overview
Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Nymphaceae. It is a semi-aquatic plant that grows in the water-logged areas. Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. has various common names such as Red-brown blastenia, Pink-flowering water lily, and Red-flowering water lily.
Origin
Red-brown blastenia is native to South America, particularly found in the Amazon River Basin and its tributaries. Nowadays, it also grows in other countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. The plant prefers warm, still waters and a moist soil environment.
General Appearance
Red-brown blastenia or Pink-flowering water lily is a perennial plant that grows to a height of about 50 cm. Leaves of Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. are round, floating on the water surface and have a deep green color shade. The flower of the plant is pleasing and attractive, having a diameter of around 10-15 cm. The petals of the flower are pink, while the stamen and anthers are yellow. The bloom time of the plant from April to July.
Uses
Red-brown blastenia or Pink-flowering water lily has different uses in different cultures. In traditional culture, the seeds of the plant are used as a natural contraceptive and to treat asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. The leaves of the plant are used to extract nuciferine, which has the potential to act as an anti-cancer agent. In some regions, they use Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful and attractive flowers. It is also known to be a natural water purifier, improving the quality of water in the lakes and ponds where it grows.
Light Requirements
Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. generally prefers a moderate level of sunlight exposure. The plant typically thrives in environments with partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight exposure for extensive periods can lead to leaf scorching and the plant's decline.
Temperature Requirements
Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. grows best within a specific temperature range. The plant prefers a moderately warm environment, typically between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
The growth of Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. is greatly influenced by the type of soil it's planted in. The soil must be well-draining and rich in organic matter. It should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant thrives in moist soils, but it's important to avoid overly waterlogged conditions. Adding mulch to the soil surface can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, promoting the plant's healthy growth.
Cultivation
Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It is best grown in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. This shrub prefers a partially shaded to full sun location. It is frost hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -10°C. It can be propagated through either seed or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is necessary to ensure the growth and survival of Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. It requires moderate watering and should not be allowed to dry out completely. However, it is important not to overwater as root rot may occur. During the summer months, watering can be done once every two weeks, and during the winter months, once a month is sufficient.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer can be applied every three months during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. It is important not to over-fertilize as this may cause damage to the plant. Organic fertilizers are recommended as they release nutrients slowly, providing a steady supply over time.
Pruning
Pruning should be done after flowering has ceased. This can be done by cutting back old growth by a third to encourage new growth. Deadheading can also be done to remove spent flowers and stimulate further blooming. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant. Pruning should be done with care as the plant has thorny stems.
Propagation of Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd.
Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. can be propagated by both vegetative and sexual means. The method used depends on the resources available and the desired outcome.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant to produce new individuals. This method is often faster and more reliable than sexual propagation as it produces clonal copies of the parent plant. The following are some common methods of vegetative propagation:
- Division: The clumps of the plant can be divided into smaller sections with each section having a portion of the root system. These sections are then potted and treated as individual plants until they grow enough to be transplanted into the desired location.
- Cuttings: Stem cuttings of the plant can be taken and planted in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants and should be treated with rooting hormones to encourage root growth.
- Layering: Layering is a process where a portion of the stem from the parent plant is covered with soil while still attached to the parent plant. Roots will eventually emerge from the covered section and once these roots are established and growing vigorously, the newly formed plant can be separated from the parent.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. involves the use of seeds to grow new individuals. This process is slower than vegetative propagation but can produce genetic variability within the population. The following are the basic steps in sexual propagation:
- Collecting seeds: Once the fruits have matured, the seeds can be harvested and cleaned. Only mature and viable seeds should be used for propagation.
- Germination: The cleaned seeds can be sowed in a suitable germination medium such as peat moss. The medium should be kept moist and warm to facilitate germination.
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings are strong enough, they can be transplanted into containers or directly into the field.
Overall, Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. can be propagated through both vegetative and sexual means, and the choice of method will depend on the desired outcome.
Disease Management
Blastenia rubrofusca de Lesd. is susceptible to several diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Rust appears as orange or brown pustules on the leaves. Root rot is caused by soilborne pathogens and can cause yellowing or wilting of the leaves.
To manage powdery mildew and rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately. This will limit the spread of the disease. Applying fungicides early in the season can also be effective in preventing powdery mildew and rust. Additionally, increasing air circulation and reducing humidity around the plant can help prevent the buildup of fungal spores.
To prevent root rot, it is important to plant the Blastenia rubrofusca in well-draining soil. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can create an ideal environment for soilborne pathogens. If root rot is suspected, carefully remove the plant from the soil, inspect the roots, and trim away any damaged or rotten sections. Repot in fresh soil and reduce watering frequency.
Pest Management
Blastenia rubrofusca is relatively resistant to pests. However, spider mites and aphids can occasionally infest the plant. Spider mites are small, spider-like insects that suck the sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Aphids are small insects that also feed on the sap of the plant and can cause curling of the leaves.
To manage spider mites and aphids, it is recommended to blast the plant with a strong stream of water. This will knock off the pests and any eggs that may be present. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling these pests. It is important to read and follow all label instructions when using pesticides.
