Description of Calesium obcordatum Engl. Plant
Calesium obcordatum Engl. is a plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly referred to by its vernacular names, such as 'Suro-suro', 'Tandik', and 'Krasoh'. This plant species is native to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia.
General Appearance
Calesium obcordatum Engl. typically grows as a small shrub, reaching up to 1 meter in height. It features fleshy, oblong leaves that are about 4-6 cm long and light green in color. The plant's flowers are small, measuring around 3-4 mm in diameter, and are white in color. The fruit of Calesium obcordatum Engl. is a small, elongated achene that is about 4-5 mm long.
Uses of Calesium obcordatum Engl.
In traditional medicine, Calesium obcordatum Engl. has been used to treat a range of medical conditions, including fever, cough, asthma, and skin infections. The plant's leaves are typically boiled and consumed as a tea or decoction. The tea is also used externally as a poultice for skin inflammations, wounds, and other skin issues. Aside from its medicinal properties, this plant species is also considered an ornamental plant, particularly for its colorful and fragrant flowers.
In addition, the plant is used in herbal and folk medicine and is believed to have hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic, and anti-fungal properties. However, caution is advised as there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims and the plant may cause adverse effects when consumed in large quantities.
Light Requirements
Calesium obcordatum Engl. requires bright indirect light to thrive. It should be kept in an area with filtered sunlight or partial shade. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature range for Calesium obcordatum Engl. should be between 18°C to 26°C. The plant is sensitive to temperature extremes and should be kept away from drafty areas, air conditioning vents, or heating sources.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated to ensure that the plant's root does not rot. A mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand can provide the necessary drainage for the plant to grow.
Cultivation Methods for Calesium obcordatum Engl.
Calesium obcordatum Engl. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. As such, it is best grown indoors in a warm and humid environment. The plant requires good light, preferably bright but indirect sunlight, and the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
When planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The roots of the plant should not be disturbed during planting, as they are delicate and prone to damage.
Watering Needs for Calesium obcordatum Engl.
Calesium obcordatum Engl. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, but it's crucial to avoid over-watering. Over-watering the plant can lead to root rot and eventually the death of the plant.
Fertilization for Calesium obcordatum Engl.
Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. A balanced fertilizer like a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 ratio will work well for the plant. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and water the plant with the solution. Avoid fertilizing during the winter as the plant goes into a dormant phase during this time.
Pruning for Calesium obcordatum Engl.
Pruning Calesium obcordatum Engl. is not necessary but can help keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Prune any dead or dying leaves, stems, or flowers as this will help to reduce the risk of disease or pests. Additionally, pruning can help to keep the plant's shape and encourage new growth.
Propagation Methods of Calesium Obcordatum Engl.
Calesium obcordatum Engl., commonly known as the African violet, is a beautiful and popular houseplant that can be relatively easy to propagate. The following methods can be used to propagate Calesium obcordatum Engl.:
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Calesium obcordatum Engl. is through division. This method involves separating the plant into several smaller ones, each with its own root system. To do this, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the root ball into several sections using a sharp, clean knife. Each section should have at least one healthy-looking leaf and some roots attached. Plant the newly divided sections in separate pots filled with a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist until the plants establish themselves.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings can also be used to propagate Calesium obcordatum Engl. To do this, select a healthy leaf and carefully cut it off near the base of the stem. Then, make a shallow cut lengthwise along the center of the leaf, and insert the cut end into a well-draining planting medium. Cover the cut end with some of the soil, and water the cutting lightly. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. In a few weeks, the cutting should take root and start to grow.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Calesium obcordatum Engl. To do this, cut a healthy stem with several leaves attached and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. In a few weeks, the cutting should take root and start to grow.
Growing from Seeds
Calesium obcordatum Engl. can also be propagated from seeds. Collect the seeds from the plant's flowers and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with some of the soil and keep the soil moist but not too wet. Place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. In a few weeks, the seeds should germinate and grow into seedlings. Keep the seedlings in a warm and bright location until they are large enough to be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease Management for Calesium obcordatum Engl.
Calesium obcordatum Engl. is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to diseases. However, in some cases, fungal infections and bacterial diseases can occur and affect the plant's health and growth. Here are some common diseases that might affect the Calesium obcordatum Engl. plant and how to manage them:
Fungal infections
Fungal infections can cause spots, blight, and cankers on the plant. Preventive measures should be taken to avoid the occurrence of fungal infections. Good sanitation practices, including removing dead and diseased plant parts, can help prevent the spread of the disease. If the infection is already present, remove the infected parts and apply a fungicide such as copper fungicide to stop the spread of infection.
Bacterial diseases
Bacterial diseases can cause wilting, leaf spots, and cankers on the plant. Good sanitation practice is essential to prevent the spread of bacterial infections. Cut out and dispose of infected plant parts immediately. Copper-based fungicides can also help reduce the spread of bacterial infections.
Pest Management for Calesium obcordatum Engl.
Several pests can infest the Calesium obcordatum Engl. plant, including insects and mites. Here are some common pests that might affect the Calesium obcordatum Engl. plant and how to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap from the plant, causing discoloration and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, regularly mist the plant with water to keep the leaves hydrated. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that feed on spider mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can also provide effective control against spider mites.
Scale insects
Scale insects suck sap from the plant resulting in yellow leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, remove them using cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can also be effective against scale insects.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are insect pests that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They leave behind a white, cottony residue on the plant. You can remove mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use insecticides such as neem oil and insecticidal soap.