Overview
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy is a prostrate, succulent, and perennial herb known for its beautiful yellowish-green foliage and striking red-pink colored flowers. It is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family and is commonly found in drier regions of North, Central, and South America.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Creeping Spiderling, Smooth Boerhavia, and Red Spiderling. In Spanish, it is called Cacho de venado, Hierba del venado, and Hierba salada.Appearance
This plant has a sprawling growth habit with the ability to spread horizontally and form extensive mats. It grows up to a height of 30 cm and a width of 60 cm. The small, waxy, and oval-shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are yellowish-green in color and have a smooth surface. The flowers are produced in clusters and are small, measuring about 5mm in diameter. The flowers are typically pink, but they can also be red or purple.Uses
This plant has a long history of medicinal use in traditional medicine. Its leaves and roots are used to treat various ailments, including fever, inflammation, and digestive problems. The plant is also used externally as a poultice to treat skin ulcers and other skin problems. The roots are sometimes made into a tea or decoction to treat various ailments. Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy is also used as an ornamental plant in landscaping projects due to its unique appearance. The plant's ability to spread horizontally makes it an excellent groundcover for sunny and dry areas. The plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping.Growth Conditions of Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy, commonly known as creeping spiderling, is a creeping herb native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It grows well in a wide range of environments and can be found in grasslands, drylands, and disturbed areas. Here are the typical growth conditions required by Boerhavia repens.
Light requirements
Creeping spiderling thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow optimally. However, in extremely hot and dry conditions, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial.
Temperature requirements
Boerhavia repens is a heat-loving plant and requires warm temperatures to grow well. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 15°C to 40°C, but the ideal temperature range for growth is between 25°C and 35°C. During winter, the plant goes dormant and can withstand occasional frosts.
Soil requirements
The creeping spiderling prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or saline environments.
Moisture requirements
Boerhavia repens is drought-tolerant, but it needs regular watering during the growing season for optimal growth and flowering. It is best to water the plant deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and prevent soil moisture fluctuations. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Nutrient requirements
The creeping spiderling is not a heavy feeder and can grow well in nutrient-poor soils. However, adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, can help improve soil structure and fertility. The plant also benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Cultivation of Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-draining soil. It prefers a sunny location and can tolerate a wide range of soil acidity. Before planting, remove any weeds and debris from the site.
The seeds of Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy should be sowed in early spring, after the last frost. The seeds should be planted at a depth of no more than 1/4 inch deep and spaced 6-12 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, which should take 10-14 days.
Watering Needs
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. The plant can survive a few days without water, but extended periods of drought can cause wilting and leaf drop.
Fertilization
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy does not require a lot of fertilizer to grow. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring can help the plant grow stronger and produce more blooms. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer blooms.
Pruning
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy requires minimal pruning. However, deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season can help to promote more blooms. Pruning should also be done to maintain the plant's shape after it has completed its flowering period.
Propagation of Boerhavia Repens L. Var. Glabra Choisy
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy is a herbaceous perennial plant, belonging to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is a widely distributed species in tropical and subtropical regions, and it possesses various medicinal properties.
Propagation Method 1: Seed Propagation
The most common method used for the propagation of Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy is seed propagation. The plant produces small, black seeds that can easily be harvested. For best results, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix at a depth of approximately 0.5 cm. Germination generally occurs within 10 to 14 days when the seeds are kept warm and moist in a shaded area.
Propagation Method 2: Stem Cutting Propagation
Another method used for propagating Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy is through stem cuttings. Take healthy stem cuttings, approximately 10 to 15 cm long, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder, then plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep moist and shaded. Roots generally form within 3 to 4 weeks, and the newly rooted plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or in the field.
Propagation Method 3: Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method used for propagating Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy, which involves dividing the root ball of an established plant. To do this, dig up an established plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each section contains at least one healthy shoot. Plant each divided section in a pot or directly in the field, and water thoroughly.
Regardless of the propagation method, it is important to provide proper care, including regular watering and fertilization to ensure the new plants grow successfully.
Disease Management
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy is susceptible to different diseases such as fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. One of the common fungal diseases affecting this plant is powdery mildew, which is characterized by a white powdery coating on the surfaces of leaves. To manage powdery mildew, one should ensure proper spacing between the plants to allow proper circulation of air, use of resistant varieties, apply fungicides, and remove the infected parts of the plant.
Another common disease of Boerhavia repens is leaf spot, which is caused by fungal infections. The disease is characterized by black spots on the leaves, causing them to become yellow and eventually drop off. To manage leaf spot, one should remove infected plant debris, use of fungicides, and proper sanitation measures to avoid disease spread.
Pest Management
Boerhavia repens L. var. glabra Choisy is also susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. Aphids are insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of plants, causing the leaves to curl and become distorted. To manage aphids, one can spray the plants with insecticidal soap, use predatory insects such as ladybugs, and remove the heavily infested parts of the plant.
Spider mites feed on leaves, causing yellow spots and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, one should increase humidity levels by misting the plant, remove the infested parts of the plant, and use insecticidal soap. In addition, regular inspection of the plants is necessary to identify and manage any pest infestations promptly.
