Overview of Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw., commonly known as Smallflower False Nettle or Bog Hemp, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Urtica family (Urticaecae). It is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, meadows, and along riverbanks.
General Appearance of Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Smallflower False Nettle is a soft-stemmed plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to lanceolate in shape, with toothed edges. The plant produces small greenish-white flowers in clusters that are arranged in spikes. Its fruits are small achenes that are enclosed in a papery bract.
Common Names of Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. is commonly known by several names, including Smallflower False Nettle, Bog Hemp, and Northern False Nettle.
Uses of Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Smallflower False Nettle has been historically used for medicinal and commercial purposes. Indigenous people would use the plant to treat skin ailments, headaches, and stomach aches. The fibers of the plant were also used to make textiles, such as cordage and cloth. Nowadays, the plant is primarily used as a forage crop for animals.
Light Requirements
Boehmeria cylindrica thrives well in full sun to partial shade conditions. It can grow in shade, but the plant becomes spindly with elongated internodes under low-light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -10°C to 36°C. However, optimum growth occurs in temperatures between 20°C to 25°C. It is not frost-tolerant and can die back to the roots in severe winters.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers moist to wet soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in any well-drained soil but prefers sandy or loamy soils. The species grows vigorously in fertile, organically-rich soils, and with adequate nutrients, it may grow up to 5 feet tall.
Cultivation Methods for Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. is a perennial herbaceous plant that requires specific cultivation methods to grow successfully. The plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers well-drained soil that has a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The ideal temperature range for growing Boehmeria cylindrica is between 18°C to 32°C.
When planting the seedlings, make sure to dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling. Loosen the soil around the roots to allow for better penetration of water and nutrients.
The plant should be exposed to partial shade for better growth. It is also important to space out the seedlings to allow for the proper flow of air and sunlight.
Watering Needs for Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. requires adequate watering to grow well. The plant should be watered regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. The amount of water required by the plant depends on various factors such as the age of the plant, weather conditions, and soil type.
The plant should be watered deeply to ensure that the water reaches the roots. However, overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can be harmful to the plant. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the soil has proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization for Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. can be fertilized with organic or inorganic fertilizers to enhance its growth and development. It is recommended to fertilize the plant during its vegetative phase.
The frequency and quantity of fertilization for the plant depend on various factors such as soil type, weather conditions, and the age of the plant. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to excessive growth and may harm the plant.
Pruning for Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Pruning Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. helps in maintaining the shape and size of the plant. Pruning also promotes the growth of more branches and leaves. The best time to prune the plant is during its dormancy period.
To prune the plant, remove the damaged or diseased parts of the plant first. Next, trim the branches and leaves that are overgrown or crowded. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid harming the plant.
Propagation of Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. commonly known as false nettle or smallspike false nettle is a herbaceous plant that is naturally found in wet habitats including swamps, marshes, and bogs. To propagate Boehmeria cylindrica, several methods can be employed which include:
Propagation from seeds
Boehmeria cylindrica is propagated from seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant when they are ripe and stored in a cool and dry place awaiting planting. To plant the seeds, mix them with moist sand in a ratio of 1:3 and sow them in prepared beds, then cover them lightly with soil. Germination takes between 10-20 days and can be improved by stratifying the seeds before sowing. Stratification involves keeping the seeds in a fridge for a few weeks before planting to improve their germination rates.
Propagation from cuttings
Another method of propagating Boehmeria cylindrica is through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. Using a sharp and sterile tool, cut a length of about 10cm below a node, and remove the lower leaves on the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder to improve the rooting rates and plant in a rooting medium such as perlite, vermiculite, or sand. Maintain high humidity levels of above 70% until new growth appears, then gradually reduce the humidity over time.
Propagation from division
The third method of propagating Boehmeria cylindrica is by division. This method entails dividing the plant into smaller sections and planting them as individual plants. Division is done during the plant's dormancy period, usually in early spring or late fall, by digging up the plant and separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have enough roots and foliage to support growth. Plant the divided sections in prepared soil and care for them as you would with newly planted seedlings.
Disease Management
Boehmeria cylindrica is generally healthy and resistant to most diseases. However, it can be susceptible to certain disease types, such as:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungal infections and presents itself as small brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and discard any infected leaves, and treat the plant with copper-based fungicides.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow-orange spots on the leaves and is also caused by fungal infections. To manage rust, remove and discard any infected parts and treat the plant with sulfur-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Boehmeria cylindrica can also fall prey to pests. Here are some common pests that can attack the plant:
- Aphids: These small insects secrete a sticky substance that can stunt the plant's growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, release natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps, to control aphids.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that can cause damage to the plant, especially during its early growth stages. To manage cutworms, remove any weeds around the plant and apply a layer of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant.
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the insects.
