Overview of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa (Lag. & Rodr.) Moscoso
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa (Lag. & Rodr.) Moscoso is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is commonly known by different names worldwide, including heartleaf spiderling, crimson spiderling, Hawaiian spiderling, and Cogui spiderling. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Africa, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Australia and Asia, for its ornamental and medicinal uses.
Appearance of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa (Lag. & Rodr.) Moscoso
The plant typically grows as an annual or perennial herb, reaching up to 1 meter in height. Its stem is thin, green, and hairless, with the leaves located on elongated stalks alternately arranged around the stem. The leaves are heart-shaped, pointed at the tip, and around 2-7 cm long. The flowers occur in clusters at the end of the branches, with a funnel-shaped, five-petaled corolla measuring around 6-8 mm long and 4-6 mm wide. The flowers are bright pink or red, giving it the common name 'crimson spiderling'
Uses of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa (Lag. & Rodr.) Moscoso
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa (Lag. & Rodr.) Moscoso is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used in traditional medicine worldwide to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, constipation, hypertension, and respiratory problems, as the plant contains flavonoids, saponins, and other compounds with potential therapeutic properties. However, the medicinal uses of the plant have yet to be fully scientifically studied.
Growth conditions for Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa (Lag. & Rodr.) Moscoso
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa (Lag. & Rodr.) Moscoso, commonly known as the sticky spiderling, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. Its habitat ranges from the drylands of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The plant has medicinal properties that have been used to treat various ailments such as fever and respiratory infections.
Light requirements
Sticky spiderlings require full sun to thrive well. It is recommended that the plant receives a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily. If the plant is grown indoors, ensure that it is placed close to a window that receives direct sunlight.
Temperature requirements
Sticky spiderlings grow well in warm temperatures. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) to grow. The maximum temperature that the plant can withstand is around 35°C (95°F).
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. Sticky spiderlings require a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. If the soil is too acidic, adding lime can help neutralize it. The plant requires soil that is rich in organic matter, and adding compost can help improve soil fertility.
In summary, Sticky spiderlings require full sun, warm temperatures, and nutrient-rich soil to thrive. By ensuring that the plant receives adequate sunlight, the right temperature, and well-drained soil rich in nutrients, it is possible to grow healthy sticky spiderlings.
Cultivation of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa is a tropical plant and requires a warm climate with a temperature above 60°F. This plant grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 9a through 11.
The plant grows well in both full sun and partial shade. It prefers slightly acidic to alkaline soil with a pH of 6 to 8.5. The soil must also be well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Propagation can be done via seeds or cuttings. The plant grows well in containers, which gives the grower more control over the growing conditions.
Watering Needs
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa requires moderate watering for optimal growth. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. During the growing season, the plant should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. In winter, the frequency of watering can be reduced.
When watering, it is best to water the plant at the base to prevent water from getting on the leaves as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa requires regular fertilization for optimal growth. A slow-release fertilizer should be applied once per year during the growing season. Alternatively, a balanced fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 months.
Before applying fertilizer, make sure the soil is moist. Avoid fertilizing during winter or when the plant is stressed.
Pruning
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa requires minimal pruning. However, it is advisable to remove any dead or damaged leaves or branches to encourage healthy growth.
Pruning can also be done to control the plant's size or shape. It's best to do this in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa, commonly known as the sticky spiderling, is a herbaceous, succulent plant. It can be propagated through various methods depending on the availability of resources and the preferred outcome.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Boerhavia coccinea is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from the mature fruit capsules of the plant. The seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with a mixture of peat moss and sand. The ideal time for planting seeds is in late spring or early summer. The tray should be kept in a warm, bright location with moderate moisture until the seedlings germinate. The seedlings should be transplanted into separate pots once their true leaves have emerged.
Cutting Propagation
Boerhavia coccinea can also be propagated through cutting. This method is quite successful, especially when done during the active growing season. The process involves taking cuttings from the stem of the plant and placing them in a well-draining potting mix. To improve the success rate, apply a rooting hormone to the cut ends and place the pot in a warm and bright location. Roots should begin to emerge in a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into a separate pot once established.
Division Propagation
Boerhavia coccinea can also be propagated by division when the plant has grown larger than desired. This method involves digging up the plant and dividing its root ball into smaller sections. Each section should contain a portion of the plant's stem as well as roots. The new plant can be re-potted in a well-draining potting mix with added compost and placed in a warm and bright location with moderate moisture.
Disease Management
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. The common diseases are:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and debris.
- Root rot: This fungal disease causes root decay and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can stunt growth and reduce yield. To manage powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and reduce humidity.
- Bacterial wilt: This bacterial disease causes wilting and yellowing of leaves. It can quickly spread and kill the plant. To manage bacterial wilt, remove infected plants and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Boerhavia coccinea Mill. var. viscosa can also be affected by several pests that can damage the plant. The common pests are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators, like ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the leaves, causing yellow spots and webbing. To manage spider mites, improve air circulation and spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Cutworms: These caterpillar-like larvae feed on the stem and root of young plants, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworms, place collars around the base of the plants and use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) as a natural insecticide.
- Thrips: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves and cause white patches. To manage thrips, introduce natural predators, like lacewings, or use sticky traps.
