Overview
Bomarea salsilla is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the family Alstroemeriaceae. It is commonly known by its various common names such as Sunroot, lily of the valley vine, and wag-wag.
Origin
Bomarea salsilla is native to the Andean region of South America. It is widely distributed across the Andes mountains in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This plant thrives in high altitude terrains, on moist soils and humid conditions within its range.
Appearance
Bomarea salsilla is a climbing vine that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant features thin stems with heart-shaped leaves that are large and shiny, and can be up to 10 cm in length. During the flowering season which typically happens in mid-summer, rather large, beautiful and bright red or orange flowers appear in clusters.
Uses
Bomarea salsilla is widely grown for ornamental purposes, especially for its stunning flowers, and is added to gardens and landscapes to add pop of bright colours. In addition, the plant is sometimes used to make an herbal remedy to help in the treatment of respiratory problems and inflammation.
Overall, the Bomarea salsilla is a stunning ornamental plant that has many benefits and remains an important and valuable component of the Andean ecosystem.Light Requirements
Bomarea salsilla, commonly known as the climbing alstroemeria, thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade. It requires about 6 hours of sunlight daily to grow and bloom fully.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Bomarea salsilla is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius). It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures or extreme heat. If the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), it may cause damage to the plant's leaves and stem.
Soil Requirements
Bomarea salsilla requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for growth. The soil should be moist but not soggy, as overwatering can cause root rot. To help with drainage, add perlite or sand to the soil mix.
Cultivation methods
Bomarea salsilla is a stunning plant that thrives in growing zones 9 through 11. It's a vine that requires support to grow well, so be sure to provide it with trellises or stakes to climb. The plant prefers well-draining, loose soil with ample nutrients and organic matter. To plant it, prepare the soil by adding aged manure or compost to the planting hole. Backfill with soil and place the plant at the same soil level as it was in the pot. Firm the soil around the plant and water it well.
Watering needs
Bomarea salsilla requires regular watering to maintain lush foliage and blooms. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. In hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering. It's important to ensure that the soil doesn't stay too wet, as this can cause root rot. Avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Bomarea salsilla responds well to regular fertilization with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Feed the plant once every two to three weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy foliage growth and budding. Be sure not to overfeed, as this can lead to leaf burn and reduce flower production.
Pruning
To keep the plant looking its best, prune it periodically to remove dead or damaged foliage and stems. Since the plant is a vine, it may require thinning to control its growth and prevent tangling. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove stems and foliage, making sure to cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Propagation of Bomarea salsilla
Bomarea salsilla is propagated mainly by division, cuttings, and seed. The division method is ideal as it produces plants with the same genetics as the parent plant. It involves separating the plant into smaller parts with roots and shoots. It is best done in the spring when the plant begins to actively grow.
Cuttings can be taken in the spring when the plant grows rapidly. The cuttings should be taken from mature shoots and ideally be around 15-20 cm long. They should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in indirect light until they root.
Bomarea salsilla can also be propagated by seed. The plant produces pods containing several seeds that are round and black. The pods should be left on the plant until they turn brown and dry. They can then be harvested and the seeds removed. The seeds can be sown in a shallow tray of well-draining medium and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept moist and in indirect light until they germinate.
Disease and Pest Management for Bomarea Salsilla
Bomarea salsilla is a robust plant that is the target of both pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management is necessary for the plant to thrive.
Common Pests
The main pests that affect Bomarea salsilla are the Bomarea caterpillar, stump weevils, and mites. These pests can cause significant damage to your plant, including defoliation and distorted or stunted growth.
Bomarea caterpillar: The best way to manage Bomarea caterpillars is to manually remove them from your plants. To prevent infestation, you should keep your plants free of debris, as these caterpillars tend to hide underneath litter that has fallen from the plants.
Stump weevils: Stump weevils feed extensively on Bomarea salsilla, resulting in distorted growth and yellowing or browning of leaves. One way to manage stump weevils is to keep the plant healthy and keep the surrounding area free of debris to reduce hiding places. When the infestation is severe, the use of insecticides may be necessary.
Mites: Mites can be a significant pest for Bomarea salsilla and cause yellow or brown spots on leaves. Prune affected leaves and control the humidity in the growing environment as they thrive in a dry atmosphere.
Common Diseases
Common diseases that affect Bomarea salsilla include fungal infections, black spot, and sooty mold. These are usually caused by poor environmental conditions and lack of proper care.
Fungal infections: Fungal infections are common in humid environments and are the result of poor air circulation. To prevent fungal infections, carefully maintain the humidity of the growing environment with proper ventilation. When fungal infections do occur, remove and destroy infected plant parts using sanitizing equipment like scissors or pruning knives.
Black spot: Black spot is a fungal infection that affects the leaves, causing irregular yellow spots on the plant. Prune the infected leaves and adjust the culture conditions to the plant’s liking.
Sooty Mold: This is a common fungal infection that thrives in areas prone to honeydew buildup from aphids or whiteflies. If infested, remove and destroy the infected plant parts right away and take necessary preventative measures. Ensure the growing areas are clean, and pests are managed carefully.
With careful monitoring of environmental conditions and preventative maintenance, the Bomarea Salsilla plant can thrive while minimizing the effect of disease and pests.
