Overview
Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke is a flowering plant species from the Acanthaceae family. It is commonly known as the Fat Eyed Blepharis and can be found in various parts of Africa.
Origin
Blepharis pinguior is native to various countries in Africa, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, and Kenya. It also grows in countries such as Tanzania, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Blepharis pinguior is commonly known as the Fat Eyed Blepharis. Other common names include the Akan name in Ghana, "Kokohintsi", and the Swahili name in Kenya, "Mkomakoma".
Uses
The Fat Eyed Blepharis has several traditional medicinal uses in various parts of Africa. The leaves are used to treat eye infections and inflammation, while the roots and aerial parts of the plant are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. The plant is also used in making eye drops and as an ingredient in traditional medicines used to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
The Fat Eyed Blepharis is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are hairy, elliptic-lanceolate, and arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are mauve or purple and grow in clusters at the tip of the stem. The calyx is hairy with five lobes while the corolla is tubular and also hairy with two lips. The fruit is a capsule containing few seeds.
Light Requirements
Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It should be placed in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can tolerate partial shade for a few hours.
Temperature Requirements
Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke grows best in warm temperatures. Ideally, it should be kept in an environment with a daytime temperature of 25-30°C (77-86°F) and a nighttime temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) should be avoided as they can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A sandy loam soil mixture is ideal. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic, with a range of 6.0-7.0. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as the plant cannot tolerate wet feet.
Cultivation of Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke
Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke can be easily grown indoors or outdoors. The plant requires well-draining soil, and it is important to maintain moisture levels to prevent the soil from drying out.
The ideal pH level for the soil is between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant is versatile and can grow well in partial shade and full sun, although it thrives best in partial shade.
Watering Needs of Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke
Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. It is important to ensure that the soil does not get waterlogged as excess water can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the temperature, humidity, and the size of the plant pot.
Fertilization of Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke
Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke benefits from regular fertilization. It is ideal to fertilize the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer or a specialized plant food designed for blooming plants. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season.
Pruning of Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke
Pruning Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and stimulate new growth. Prune the plant regularly to remove dead and diseased branches. Cutting back the main stem will help the plant to branch out and increase its blooming potential. Pruning should be done during the dormant season.
Propagation of Blepharis Pinguior C.B.Clarke
Blepharis Pinguior C.B.Clarke is a beautiful succulent plant that is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. If you want to propagate this plant, you will be pleased to know that it is relatively easy to do so. There are two main ways to propagate Blepharis Pinguior C.B.Clarke: by seeds and by stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
If you want to propagate Blepharis Pinguior C.B.Clarke by seeds, you should start with fresh seeds. Sow them in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. Germination should occur within two weeks. Once the seedlings have developed two or three leaves, you can transplant them to their permanent pots.
Propagation by stem cuttings
If you prefer to propagate Blepharis Pinguior C.B.Clarke by stem cuttings, you should start by taking a stem cutting that is at least 10 cm long. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving a few at the top. You can dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water it thoroughly. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag and place it in a bright, but not direct, sunlight. Mist the cutting occasionally to keep the humidity levels high.
After a few weeks, the cutting should start to grow roots. Once the roots have developed, you can remove the plastic bag and treat the cutting as you would a mature Blepharis Pinguior C.B.Clarke plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke Plant
Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke, also known as Fat Thatching Grass, is a drought-tolerant plant commonly found in dry savannahs and grasslands. While this plant is relatively easy to care for, it is still susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can damage or even kill it. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Blepharis pinguior and how to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects many types of plants, including Blepharis pinguior. Symptoms include circular, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves as soon as you notice them, and make sure not to overwater the plant. You can also apply a fungicide to combat the fungus.
Root rot: Root rot is another fungal disease that affects many types of plants, including Blepharis pinguior. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. This disease is often caused by overwatering the plant or planting it in poorly drained soil. To manage this disease, remove any infected plants immediately and avoid overwatering your Blepharis pinguior.
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are small, harmful pests that suck the sap out of the leaves of your plant, causing them to turn yellow and die. To manage this pest, you can spray your plant with water daily, which will wash off the spider mites. Additionally, you can use an insecticidal soap to kill the spider mites.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like pests that are often found on the leaves and stems of plants. They feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause yellowing and wilting. To manage this pest, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil, which will suffocate the mealybugs.
By being vigilant and taking steps to manage diseases and pests, you can help your Blepharis pinguior C.B.Clarke plant thrive and grow.
