Overview of Browallia Viscosa Auct. Non Kunth
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth is a delicate flowering plant that belongs to the family Solanaceae. The plant is native to South America and is mainly found in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In the wild, it grows in open fields, forests, and meadows, often in moist soil.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "sticky browallia" or "clammy browallia" due to the presence of a sticky, viscous secretion on its leaves and stems. It is also known as "amethyst flower" due to the bright, violet-blue color of its flowers.
Uses
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth is grown primarily as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers. It is often used in gardens, parks, and as a border plant. Its long stems make it an excellent choice for cut flowers, and it is also a popular plant for hanging baskets. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat various ailments, including respiratory issues, fever, and inflammation.
Appearance
The Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth is a small herbaceous perennial that typically grows up to 20 to 30 cm tall. The leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate and up to 6 cm in length. The leaves and stems have a sticky, glandular texture due to the presence of a sticky secretion. The flowers are borne on long, slender stalks and are about 1 cm in diameter. They have five petals and are typically violet-blue in color with a pale center and yellow stamens.
In conclusion, Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth is an ornamental plant that is known for its attractive flowers. It is a delicate plant that requires minimal care and is easy to grow, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Light Requirements
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth is a warm-season annual plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow optimally, although it can tolerate some shade. Too much shade can lead to weak stems and low flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth is between 15°C to 25°C, and it can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C. However, it cannot tolerate frost and grows best in warm conditions. It is important to note that high humidity levels coupled with high temperatures can increase the risk of disease development.
Soil Requirements
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be evenly moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rots. The plant will also not thrive in soils that are too dry as they require consistent moisture.
Cultivation Methods
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth, commonly known as Sticky Browallia or Decumbent Browallia, is a beautiful flowering plant that is relatively easy to grow. They are best grown in full sun or partial shade and require well-draining soil. The plant can be grown outdoors in garden beds or indoors in planters and pots.
When growing outdoors, the plant should be placed in a spot with enough sunlight and sheltered from harsh wind. If grown indoors, make sure to place the plant in a well-lit area where it can receive a few hours of direct sunlight every day.
Watering Needs
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth requires regular watering to thrive. The plant should be watered when the topmost soil layer feels dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and death of the plant. However, the plant should not be allowed to completely dry out as it can cause wilting.
The frequency of watering may vary depending on the climate and season. During the hot and dry months, the plant may require more frequent watering whereas, during the colder and wet months, the frequency of watering needs to be reduced.
Fertilization
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth should be fertilized once every two to three weeks during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Too much fertilizer can burn the plant and hinder its growth, hence care should be taken to apply the right amount of fertilizer.
It is recommended to avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season as there is not much growth happening during that time.
Pruning
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth does not require much pruning. However, if the plant becomes leggy or bushy, it can be pruned to encourage fuller growth and more flowers. The plant can be pruned after the blooming season has ended by removing the top 1/3 of the plant. This will also help to prevent the plant from becoming too tall and top-heavy.
Propagation of Browallia Viscosa
Browallia viscosa auct. non Kunth can be propagated through different methods, including:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Browallia viscosa is through seed propagation. To begin, collect healthy seeds from the plant and sow them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in a warm, bright place. The seeds should germinate in about 2 - 3 weeks, and once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into larger containers or outside in the garden.
Stem cutting propagation
Browallia viscosa can also be propagated through stem cuttings. To do this, select healthy stems that are about 4 - 6 inches in length and cut them at a 45-degree angle. Make sure the cutting has a couple of leaves and no flowers. Remove any leaves near the bottom of the cutting, and place it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright place. The cutting should start to root in about 2 - 3 weeks, and once it has established roots, it can be transplanted into a larger container or outside in the garden.
Division propagation
Another way to propagate Browallia viscosa is through division. This method works well for mature plants that have multiple stems. To begin, carefully remove the plant from the soil and gently untangle the roots. Use a clean, sharp knife to separate the plant into several sections, making sure each section has roots and at least one healthy stem. Plant each division into a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil consistently moist until the plant has established itself.
Regardless of the propagation method used, make sure to keep the plant in a warm, bright spot until it has established strong roots. Once the plant is established, it can be cared for like any other mature Browallia viscosa plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Browallia Viscosa
Browallia viscosa is generally resistant to diseases and pest infestations, but under certain conditions, the plant may suffer from various problems that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf and Stem Diseases
Bacterial and fungal diseases can cause leaf spots and stem rot in Browallia viscosa, leading to yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the affected plant parts. Cultural practices like proper sanitation, pruning of infected plant parts, and avoiding overhead watering can help reduce the severity of these diseases. Fungicides and bactericides can be used as a preventive measure or as a treatment in severe cases.
Root Rot
Overwatering and poorly drained soil can lead to root rot in Browallia viscosa. The plant can show symptoms like wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To prevent or manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant. If the plant is already infected, reduce watering and apply a fungicide to the soil.
Whiteflies and Aphids
Whiteflies and aphids can suck sap from the leaves of Browallia viscosa, causing yellowing and wilting. Frequent monitoring of the plant for pest infestations and the use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can help manage these pests. Remove heavily infested plant parts to prevent further spread.
Spider Mites
Spider mites can cause webbing on the leaves of Browallia viscosa and cause yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, clean the plant foliage with a strong stream of water and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if necessary.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can feed on the leaves of Browallia viscosa and cause extensive damage to the plant. Picking them by hand or using insecticides can help manage the pest. Make sure to identify the caterpillar species and use an appropriate insecticide.
By practicing good cultural management practices and identifying and treating any problems early, you can help keep your Browallia viscosa healthy and productive.
