Description of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct.
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct., also known as Red Spiderling, is a species of flowering plant from the family Nyctaginaceae. This plant is native to the Caribbean and Central America but can also be found in some parts of South America, including Brazil and Peru.
General Appearance
This plant usually grows up to 1 meter tall and has a spread of 0.6 meters. It has thin, wiry stems that sprawl across the ground or climb over rocks or other plants. The leaves of the Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. are oblong or lance-shaped and are 1 to 5 cm long.
The flowers of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. are arranged in clusters of 5 to 10 small blossoms. These flowers are reddish-pink, tubular, and have five petals. They usually bloom in summer and fall.
Common Names
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. has several common names including Red Spiderling, Scarlet Spiderling, and Painted Lady. It is also known locally by different names in different countries such as “Flor de sangre” in Spanish and “Mororó vermelho” in Portuguese.
Uses
In traditional medicine, the roots and leaves of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. are used to treat various ailments such as fever, skin infections, menstrual disorders, and urinary tract infections. The plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
This plant is also used as an ornamental plant and is sometimes cultivated in gardens for its attractive flowers.
Light Requirements
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. is a sun-loving plant and requires plenty of direct sunlight to thrive. It prefers to grow in full sunlight without any obstruction. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can hinder its growth and blooming ability.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot survive in extreme cold. It grows well in tropical and subtropical regions where the temperature remains between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature this plant can tolerate is 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clayey soil, but it should be well-draining. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is highly adaptable and can tolerate drought-like conditions but does not grow well in waterlogged soil.
Cultivation of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct.
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. is an easy-to-cultivate plant that can be grown in almost any type of soil. However, it thrives best in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level of between 6.0 to 7.5.
The plant can also tolerate drought conditions, but it does best with frequent watering, especially during the hot and dry months.
Watering Needs
When cultivating Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct., it's essential to monitor the level of moisture in the soil. The plant should be watered regularly, enough to keep the soil moist, but not enough to soak it completely.
A good method of watering is to give the plant a thorough watering once a week or more depending on the climate and soil conditions. The frequency of watering can be adjusted based on the moisture level of the soil and the climatic conditions in your area.
Fertilization
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. is not a heavy feeder, but it still benefits from regular fertilization to keep it healthy and blooming. A general-purpose fertilizer can be used every two to three weeks during the growing season, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The fertilizer should be applied directly over the plant's root zone and watered well afterward. Too much fertilizer can cause leaf burn or other damage, so ensure that you apply the right amount as prescribed by the manufacturer.
Pruning
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. does not require regular pruning, but it's a good idea to remove any dead or damaged growth to encourage new growth and flowering. Pruning is also necessary to maintain the plant's shape and overall health.
When pruning, use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Cut back the stem to just above a healthy leaf or bud, and remove any lateral growth that is crowding the central stem.
Pruning should be done in the spring and fall when the plant is dormant. However, removing spent flowers or pinching the tips of young plants can encourage branching and promote more blooms.
Propagation of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct.
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct., also known as Scarlet spiderling or Crimson joyweed, can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
Seeds can be collected from the plant's dried flowers and stored in a cool, dry place until sowing time. Scarify the seed coat by lightly rubbing it with sandpaper or a file to improve germination. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within two to three weeks. Once seedlings have grown to about 3-4 inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. cuttings can be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season. Cut a 4-6 inch stem section just below a node and remove all but the top leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a shaded place until roots have developed, which typically takes three to four weeks. After roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Division
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. can also be propagated through division, particularly when the plant has grown too large for its container or space. Dig up the main plant and divide the root ball into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one stem and a good amount of healthy roots. Replant the divided sections in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Keep the new transplants in a shaded place for a few days to reduce transplant shock and allow them to establish before moving them to their final location.
Disease Management
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. is generally a hardy species that is not prone to many diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common plant diseases, such as:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause circular or irregular spots on the leaves, which can merge and result in defoliation. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can cause plant wilting, yellowing, and death. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, provide good drainage, and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. a auct. can also be affected by some common pests, such as:
- Aphids: These insects can cause curling, yellowing, and stunted growth of the leaves. To manage these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: These insects can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves, resulting in defoliation. To manage these pests, improve air circulation, wash the leaves with water, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These pests can cause large holes in the leaves and can defoliate the plant. To manage these pests, handpick the caterpillars or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining good cultural practices such as proper watering and fertilization will also help to prevent pests and diseases.
