Description of Blumea viscosa
Blumea viscosa (P. Mill.) Badillo, commonly known as "Sinturon-kabayo" or "Hagdanan-kabayo" in the Philippines, is a plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
General Appearance
Blumea viscosa is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has a woody stem with many lateral branches. The leaves are simple, ovate or elliptic, and measure around 4-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The inflorescence is a dense, axillary or terminal corymb of flower heads, each head measuring around 4 mm in diameter. The flowers are tubular, yellow, and surrounded by green bracts.
Uses
Blumea viscosa has many uses in traditional medicine. Its leaves, roots, and stems are used to treat a variety of ailments such as cough, asthma, and bronchitis. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is also used to treat rheumatism and arthritis. The plant has been reported to possess antifungal and antibacterial effects and is used to treat wounds and skin infections. Additionally, Blumea viscosa is used in some Southeast Asian countries as a natural insecticide.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Blumea viscosa has ornamental value and is sometimes used as a hedge or border plant.
Growth Conditions for Blumea viscosa (P. Mill.) Badillo
Blumea viscosa (P. Mill.) Badillo is a herbaceous plant that grows well under a range of environmental conditions. The following are the typical growth conditions required for the successful cultivation of this plant:
Light Requirements
Blumea viscosa (P. Mill.) Badillo prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but the amount of shade should not exceed 50% of the total available light. Insufficient light can lead to weak stem growth, fewer flowers, and delayed blooming.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature for Blumea viscosa (P. Mill.) Badillo growth is between 20-30°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C may cause the plant to stop growing or die. It is essential to protect the plants from sudden temperature changes, such as frost or heatwaves, and maintain a stable temperature as much as possible.
Soil Requirements
Blumea viscosa (P. Mill.) Badillo prefers well-draining soils with good moisture retention. The ideal pH for optimal growth is between 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good nutrient availability. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy or clay soils.
In summary, Blumea viscosa (P. Mill.) Badillo requires full sun to partial shade, a temperature range of 20-30°C, and well-draining soils with good moisture retention and a pH between 6.0-7.5, for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Blumea viscosa grows best in warm and tropical climates with plenty of sunlight, and it does well in well-aerated and moist soils. The plant requires moderate watering, and it is drought-resistant. It can grow in most soil types, but it does best in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Watering Needs
Blumea viscosa requires moderate watering, and it is drought-resistant. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. Do not overwater the plant as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry partially before watering again.
Fertilization
The plant requires occasional fertilization to grow healthy and produce flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10, or use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, which is from spring to autumn. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can damage the plant and reduce flower production.
Pruning
Blumea viscosa requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote flowering. Prune the plant after the flowering season, which is in autumn. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and cut back any overgrown branches to encourage new growth. Do not prune the plant during the winter season, as it can slow down growth and reduce flower production.
Propagation of Blumea viscosa
Blumea viscosa, commonly known as the sticky blumea, belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Blumea viscosa can be propagated through seeds. The seed collection should be done when the flowers have dried up, and the seeds have turned brown. The collected seeds should be cleaned and air-dried for a few days. After drying, the seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with well-drained soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days.
Cutting propagation
The sticky blumea can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the healthy plants in the early morning. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the top. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormones and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid place. New shoots should appear in 3-4 weeks.
Division propagation
The sticky blumea can also be propagated through division. This method is best suited for mature plants. The plant should be dug out carefully and divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have a few stems and enough roots. The divided sections should be planted immediately in well-drained soil. The plants should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid place. The new shoots should appear within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Blumea Viscosa Plant
Blumea viscosa (P. Mill.) Badillo is a herbaceous plant, also known as the sticky bush or bland leaf bush, commonly found in tropical regions. Like any other plant, Blumea viscosa is susceptible to pests and diseases that can occur, and it is essential to manage them timely to ensure healthy growth.
Pests
There are several pests that can affect the Blumea viscosa plant, the common ones being aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of leaves, and also make the plant vulnerable to disease.
To manage pest infestations, spray the plant with an organic pesticide made from neem oil, garlic oil, or soap and water. Alternatively, prune the affected parts of the plant, and dispose of them properly. To prevent future infestations, monitor the plant frequently and keep it clean from debris.
Diseases
Blumea viscosa is prone to several diseases, including powdery mildew, root rot, and rust. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves, and root rot is caused by waterlogging, leading to the roots becoming brown and mushy, while rust appears as brown and orange spots on the leaves.
Effective disease management involves early identification and removal of infected leaves or plants. For powdery mildew and rust, spray the plant with a fungicide containing copper or sulfur. Water the plant correctly to prevent cases of root rot and ensure adequate soil drainage. Additionally, remove any debris that can harbor disease.
Overall, maintaining a healthy Blumea viscosa plant requires proper care and constant monitoring for diseases and pests. With early detection and appropriate management, the plant can remain healthy and thrive.
