Overview
Calliandra cumingii Benth. is a beautiful perennial shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to the Philippines and commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including Batai-batai, Sapan-sapan, and Balai-lambat. It is also known as the Philippine Powder Puff or Cuming's Calliandra in English.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 3 meters tall and has a bushy, spreading habit. It has pinnate leaves that are about 15 to 25 cm long, and each leaf consists of 10 to 30 pairs of leaflets that are 1 to 2 cm long. The flowers of Calliandra cumingii are fluffy, pink, and ball-shaped, measuring around 3 to 5 cm in diameter. They appear in clusters from February to May and continue to bloom throughout the year.
Uses
Calliandra cumingii has several uses. The plant is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions, including fever, diabetes, and constipation. The bark of the plant is known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve different aspects of human health. Calliandra cumingii is also a popular ornamental plant used in landscaping and gardening due to its beautiful and showy flowers, making it a great addition to any garden.
Light
The plant Calliandra cumingii Benth. requires full sunlight exposure for at least 6 hours a day. This plant tolerates partial shade, but its growth rate may slow down.
Temperature
The optimal temperature for the growth of Calliandra cumingii Benth. is between 18°C to 30°C. This plant grows well in a warm, humid climate with minimal temperature fluctuations. Low temperature or frosty conditions can damage the growth of the plant.
Soil
Calliandra cumingii Benth. prefers well-drained fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. Adequate soil moisture is vital for the optimal growth of the plant.
Cultivation of Calliandra Cumingii Benth.
Calliandra cumingii Benth. is a native plant to the Philippines and thrives in tropical and subtropical conditions. It grows well in fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a sunny position, but it can also grow in partial shade. Propagation from seeds is possible, but it is more effective to propagate from stem cuttings.
Watering Needs of Calliandra Cumingii Benth.
When Calliandra cumingii Benth. is still a young tree, it requires regular watering to establish its roots. However, once established, the plant is drought tolerant and can survive long periods without water. It is important to ensure the soil doesn't get too wet, as this can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization of Calliandra Cumingii Benth.
The best time to fertilize Calliandra cumingii Benth. is during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, making sure it does not touch the trunk. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Pruning Calliandra Cumingii Benth.
Pruning Calliandra cumingii Benth. is important to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season. When pruning, remove any damaged or diseased branches back to healthy wood. Also, remove any overcrowded or crossing branches to allow light and air to penetrate into the plant. Pruning too much can reduce flowering in the following year, so be careful not to overdo it.
Propagation of Calliandra cumingii Benth.
Calliandra cumingii Benth. can be propagated by either seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed:
Seeds can be collected from mature pods of the Calliandra cumingii Benth. plant. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and a sunny location. The germination of seeds takes about two to three weeks, and the seedlings should be watered regularly.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings:
Propagation by stem cuttings is another method of propagating Calliandra cumingii Benth. Plants. The cuttings should be taken from healthy mature plants and should be around 15cm long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a mixture of compost and sand. The cutting should be kept moist and should be placed under shade until roots grow. After rooting, the cutting can be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Both the propagation methods can be successful if done correctly and can lead to healthy Calliandra cumingii Benth. plants.
Disease Management for Calliandra cumingii Benth.
Calliandra cumingii Benth. is susceptible to a few diseases that can hinder the plant's growth and development. One of the most common diseases that affect Calliandra cumingii Benth. is fungal leaf spots. These are characterized by brown spots on the leaves and can be caused by various fungi. To manage this disease, it is necessary to prune the affected plants and dispose of the debris properly. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of fungal spores.
Another common disease that affects Calliandra cumingii Benth. is root rot. It is caused by fungi that thrive in waterlogged soil. The roots of the plant will appear brown and mushy, and the leaves will wilt. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and improve drainage. Fungicides and biological control agents can also be used if necessary.
Canker is a bacterial disease that can affect Calliandra cumingii Benth. It is characterized by a necrotic lesion that forms on the stem of the plant. The lesion can expand in size and cause wilting and dieback of the plant. To manage canker, it is necessary to prune the affected plant parts and dispose of them immediately. Copper fungicides can also be used to control bacterial infections.
Pest Management for Calliandra cumingii Benth.
Calliandra cumingii Benth can also be affected by pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce its productivity. One of the common pests that can infect Calliandra cumingii Benth. is spider mites. These pests can cause yellowing and browning of leaves, and they can be controlled by washing them off the leaves with a strong spray of water or applying insecticidal soap.
Another pest that can affect Calliandra cumingii Benth. is mealybugs. These pests are characterized by a cotton-like appearance and can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. To control mealybugs, it is necessary to wipe off the bugs with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils.
Scale insects are also common pests that can infect Calliandra cumingii Benth. They cause wilting and decline of the plant, and they can be controlled by removing infested parts of the plant and destroying them immediately.
Overall, disease and pest management for Calliandra cumingii Benth. involves maintaining good hygiene, proper watering and fertilization, and using appropriate fungicides and insecticides when necessary.
